Defence team for former Minister of Power, Dr. Olu Agunloye, don ask the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider ending im trial over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. Di request come as Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja resume di case on Monday, October 19, 2026, after three-month adjournment.
For court, Agunloye lawyer, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, tell Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie say International Chamber of Commerce tribunal for Paris deliver ruling on September 17, 2026, for arbitration wey Sunrise Power and Transmission Company start over di Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. Adedipe say di 616-page ruling get findings wey concern Agunloye case, especially paragraph 1107 wey mention di former minister. He tell court say he don write Attorney-General of the Federation make government consider discontinue di criminal case because of di tribunal findings. Di defence counsel ask make court adjourn two weeks so Attorney-General fit respond.
But Justice Onwuegbuzie decide to hear prosecution sixth witness, Liyel Imoke, former Cross River State governor and ex-Minister of Power, wey already dey court. Earlier, prosecution counsel Mohammed Abba, SAN, tell court say he don meet requirements to present Imoke as sixth prosecution witness, PW6.
During examination-in-chief, Imoke testify say he serve as Minister of Power between 2003 and 2006. He tell court say he write letter dated September 4, 2003 to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company, informing di company say neither Federal Executive Council nor President approve di 2003 build-operate-transfer contract wey Agunloye award. Imoke call di contract unlawful, null and void. He explain say he reach dat conclusion after reviewing Federal Executive Council conclusions inside Ministry of Power files. He also confirm say Federal Executive Council documents no change.
Imoke still testify about im role in redesigning Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project while he dey office. But during cross-examination, he admit say although he conclude say award of di 2003 BOT contract was unlawful, he no report di matter to any law enforcement agency and he no order investigation. He also admit say he no bring di matter to attention of Federal Executive Council.
After cross-examination, prosecution counsel request adjournment and court grant am. Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourn di case until November 2, 2026.
