Nigerian Court Grants EFCC’s Request To Amend Charges In $6 Billion Mambilla Project Fraud Case Against Ex-Minister Agunloye
A Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja, presided over by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to amend charges against former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, in connection with the alleged billion fraud involving the Mambilla Power Project.
Agunloye faces seven counts of charges related to official corruption and the fraudulent awarding of contracts for the project. The EFCC had sought the court’s approval to amend the charges and have the defendant enter a plea on the updated allegations.
During the hearing, EFCC counsel Abba Mohammed (SAN) cited provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to justify the request. Defense counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN) opposed the motion, arguing that formal leave of the court was necessary before altering the charges.
The court, however, ruled in favor of the EFCC, referencing a precedent from the Court of Appeal in Bovoa v. FRN & Anor (2017). Justice Onwuegbuzie stated that the amendment would not prejudice the defendant or result in injustice, as changes to charges are permissible at any stage before a judgment is delivered.
“The application is hereby granted as prayed, and the defendant is ordered to take his plea on the altered or amended charge,” Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled.
The matter has been adjourned to February 3, 2025, for the defendant’s plea.
In October 2024, reports indicated that the EFCC had revised its charges against Agunloye, introducing additional evidence related to the alleged mismanagement of funds and improper contract awards for the power project.
The Mambilla Power Project, a multi-billion-dollar initiative intended to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges, has faced repeated delays and controversies, with allegations of corruption continuing to cloud its execution.
