The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revised its charges against former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, in an ongoing trial over alleged corruption and a fraudulent $6 billion contract related to the Mambilla Power Project.
During the proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, prosecution counsel Abba Muhammad, SAN, notified Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of amendments to the original seven-count charges and introduced new evidence. The EFCC urged the court to allow Agunloye to enter a plea based on the updated charges.
However, defense counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN, objected, arguing that the day’s agenda was reserved for cross-examining the second prosecution witness, Adewale Agunbiade. While the prosecution cited Section 216 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), allowing charge amendments at any stage before judgment, the defense maintained that a formal application was needed, referencing Section 218(2) of the same Act.
Justice Onwuegbuzie directed the EFCC to formally apply for the amendments, with the defense to respond on the next hearing scheduled for November 11, 2024.
