A prosecution witness in the trial of ex-minister Olu Agunloye told a Federal High Court that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is willing to testify on the controversial $6bn Mambilla Power Project contract
Ex-President Obasanjo Ready to Testify in Mambilla Power Contract Case — Prosecution Witness
A third prosecution witness (PW3) in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, has revealed that ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed readiness to testify in court or in any forum concerning the controversial Mambilla Power Project.
The witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, made the disclosure on Monday before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja. Agunloye is facing an amended seven-count charge over the alleged fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel Adeola Adedipe, SAN, Babangida said Obasanjo had formally communicated his willingness to testify.
According to him, “there was a letter written by former President Olusegun Obasanjo dated November 27, 2023, addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation stating his willingness to testify in the matter in any arbitration court or forum when the need arises or should it be considered necessary in national interest.”
The witness also referenced a letter dated April 7, 2003, written by Agunloye to then-President Obasanjo. On page 3 of the letter, the former minister reportedly requested that Sunrise Power and Transmission Company be considered for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station. Babangida said Obasanjo raised no objection but instructed that the memo be brought before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for comparison with a coal-fired thermal project of 4,000–5,000 megawatts.
When asked whether Obasanjo had any personal issue with Agunloye, Babangida said he could not recall such a statement.
He explained, “My response was based on the questionnaire we gave to him.”
The witness added that the former President was categorical about the status of the controversial contract.
“During our interrogation with President Obasanjo, he said he was aware of the contract but there was no approval. This was clearly documented during the Federal Executive Council meeting,” Babangida testified.
He further stated that Obasanjo maintained that no contract was awarded to Sunrise Power during his administration.
“He also stated that no contract was awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company during his tenure because there was no approval for the award of such contracts, nor was he aware of the existence of the contract award of May 27, 2003,” Babangida added.
The trial continues. Read More
