Former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, Faces Revised Charges in $6 Billion Fraud Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has modified the seven-count charges against Olu Agunloye, the former Minister of Power, and presented additional evidence ¹. Agunloye is currently standing trial before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, for alleged official corruption and fraudulent award of the Mambilla Power Project contract valued at $6 billion.
At the last court proceedings, prosecution counsel Abba Muhammad informed the court of the amended charges and supplementary evidence filed earlier. He requested the court to allow Agunloye to plead in light of these changes. However, defense counsel Adeola Adedipe objected, citing that the day’s business was meant for cross-examining the second prosecution witness, Adewale Agunbiade.
Muhammad asserted the prosecution’s right to amend charges at any trial stage before judgment, referencing Section 216(1) and (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). While acknowledging this right, Adedipe argued that formal court leave is required for introducing amendments, as per Section 218(2) of the ACJA.
Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled that the prosecution must submit a formal application for charge amendments, to which the defense will respond on the next adjourned date, November 11, 2024.
Agunloye previously lost a bid to stop his prosecution and was denied an overseas medical trip. The case continues.
