Malami Refutes Corruption Claims in Mambilla Project Dispute

Abubakar Malami, the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, has denied allegations of corrupt dealings with Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power, following Nigeria's victory in arbitration regarding the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. A statement from his Special Assistant on Media, Mohammed Doka, confirmed that the International Chamber of Commerce tribunal dismissed claims from Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited on September 16, 2026.

The tribunal ordered Sunrise and Adesanya to reimburse Nigeria for part of its legal costs. However, it also criticized Malami's management of a settlement agreement, suggesting he acted against Nigeria's interests and was motivated by other incentives.

Malami clarified that the arbitration was not a criminal trial and should not be interpreted as a conviction. He acknowledged the tribunal's serious findings but emphasized that they should be contextualized within the complete documentary record.

Malami noted that the dispute with Sunrise predated his tenure and involved previous administrations.