A Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Monday adjourned proceedings in the alleged $6 billion Mambila Power Project fraud case involving former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, to April 20, 2026.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie fixed the new date following arguments and rulings on evidentiary issues raised during the trial.
Agunloye is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and the alleged fraudulent award of the Mambila Power Project contract worth $6 billion to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.
At Monday’s hearing, the third prosecution witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, during re-examination by prosecuting counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), disclosed that the investigative team invited three former Attorneys-General of the Federation — Michael Aondokaa (SAN), Abubakar Malami (SAN), and Kanu Agabi (SAN) — who all volunteered statements.
According to him: “Agabi told the investigating team that he cannot recall the details and outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting at that time but advised we rely on documents obtained from the office of the Secretary of the Federation.”
However, defence counsel, Samuel Falade, objected to the witness’s testimony, arguing that it was incompetent since it referenced statements from individuals who were not called to testify.
In response, the EFCC counsel cited legal provisions to justify the re-examination:
“The position of the law in re-examination shall be directed to the explanation of matters referred in cross examination as confirmed by the Supreme Court…”
The prosecution further argued:
“Re-examination is an avenue for a witness to state the whole truth of any matter which was not dealt with in examination.”
Ruling on the objection, Justice Onwuegbuzie upheld the prosecution’s argument and allowed the witness to continue his testimony.
Babangida further told the court:
“Mr Aondokaa, SAN stated that if he had seen the conclusion of the FEC meeting he would have not given any legal opinion, while Malami, SAN said he relied on the legal opinion of Mr Aondokaa.”
He also explained documentary exhibits presented before the court, noting:
“Exhibit EFCC 3K is an extract that contains only the deliberation on Mambilla Hydro Electricity… while Exhibit EFCC 3D contains deliberations of other ministries…”
After hearing all submissions, the court adjourned the matter to April 20, 2026, for continuation of trial.