A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed readiness to testify on issues surrounding the controversial Mambilla Power Project whenever required.
Testifying before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, the third prosecution witness (PW3), Umar Hussein Babangida, said Obasanjo conveyed his willingness in a letter dated November 27, 2023, addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation. According to the witness, the former President stated that he was prepared to appear before any court, arbitration panel, or forum if necessary in the national interest.
Agunloye is standing trial on an amended seven-count charge bordering on alleged official corruption and the fraudulent award of a $6 billion contract for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
During cross-examination by defence counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, Babangida also referenced a letter dated April 7, 2003, which Agunloye wrote to then-President Obasanjo. In the letter, the former minister requested that Sunrise Power and Transmission Company be considered for the construction of the Mambilla project. Obasanjo, according to the witness, raised no objection but directed that the proposal be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for comparison with a Coal Fire Thermal project of 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts.
When asked whether Obasanjo had any personal grievance against Agunloye, Babangida said he could not recall such a statement, noting that his testimony was based strictly on documented responses provided by the former President.
The witness further stated that Obasanjo confirmed during interrogation that although he was aware of discussions on the Mambilla project, no contract approval was granted by his administration.
“President Obasanjo said no contract was awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company during his tenure because there was no approval for such an award, and he was not aware of any contract purportedly issued on May 27, 2003,” Babangida told the court.
The trial continues.
