Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Service by a Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Agunloye over fraud allegations related to the Mambilla Power Project.
Touchaheart reports that despite pleading not guilty, the judge ordered his remand until bail is determined. The case highlights the EFCC’s efforts to address corruption in public office, especially concerning major national projects.
Further details are expected to unfold as the legal proceedings progress…
In a recent development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former minister Agunloye wanted in connection with a $6 billion power scheme related to the Mambilla hydropower project. Agunloye, who served as a minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s government between 1999 and 2003, has become a central figure in the controversy surrounding the Mambilla power project.
The controversy escalated when President Obasanjo accused Agunloye of illegally awarding the scheme with approval by the Federal Executive Council during his tenure. The EFCC’s declaration of Agunloye as a wanted individual is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the Mambilla hydropower project. Agunloye, however, vehemently denies any wrongdoing in the project. He has countered Obasanjo’s accusations, claiming that the former president is distorting information against him. The ex-minister’s denial sets the stage for a legal battle as the investigation continues.
According to him;
“Such a move at this moment provides this government the much-needed straw to clutch on to demonstrate its readiness, or otherwise, to rid our dear country of these debilitating problems of corruption hoisted on the German foundation of impunity.”
He argued that the charges of fraud and forgery against him will not stick, knowing who he is.
“My spirits are high and have been high all along. I am innocent of the charges brought against me by EFCC. I am innocent of the International Arbitration on the Mambilla Project in France.
“I came out of EFCC detention at about midday yesterday, 20th December. I thank God for His mercies and graciousness. I also thank my family members, friends, associates, and God-sent facilitators for their roles and concerns. May God bless them all.
“I am currently battling my health issues, which deteriorated very badly during the incarceration by EFCC,” Agunloye added.
The EFCC had initially arrested Agunloye but he was released on bail. However, recent allegations of bail jumping led to the issuance of an arrest warrant, prompting the EFCC to rearrest the former minister on December 13, 2023. The unfolding events surrounding the Mambilla hydropower project scandal have sparked public interest, with calls for transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.
