Obasanjo willing to testify in Olu Agunloye’s $6 billion Mambilla power project trial

Obasanjo willing to testify in Olu Agunloye’s $6 billion Mambilla power project trial

A key prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that former President Olusegun Obasanjo expressed readiness to testify in any forum regarding the Mambilla Power Project or other national matters.

The witness, Umar Hussein Babangida (PW3), made the revelation on Monday during cross-examination by Agunloye’s defense counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN. Agunloye faces a seven-count amended charge of official corruption and fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract.

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Babangida referred to a November 27, 2023, letter from Obasanjo to the Attorney General of the Federation, in which the former president stated his willingness to testify in any arbitration, court, or forum “when the need arises or should it be considered necessary in the national interest.”

The witness also highlighted a 2003 letter from Agunloye to Obasanjo, requesting that Sunrise Power and Transmission Company be considered for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station. Obasanjo reportedly raised no objection but instructed that the proposal be reviewed by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) alongside coal-fired thermal projects ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts.

When asked whether Obasanjo had any personal issues with Agunloye, PW3 said there was no indication of conflict. “During our interrogation, President Obasanjo said he was aware of the contract but no approval was given. No contract was awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company during his tenure,” Babangida stated.

The trial continues as the court examines allegations of corruption and fraudulent contract awards surrounding Nigeria’s largest hydroelectric project, the Mambilla Power Project.

Obasanjo willing to testify in Olu Agunloye’s $6 billion Mambilla power project trial