The EFCC is prosecuting Agunloye, 75, on corruption charges concerning a failed $6 billion Mambilla Hydropower project
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been granted the power by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Apo, Abuja, to prosecute Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power and Steel.
This comes following the dismissal of an application by Mr. Agunloye challenging the powers of the EFCC to prosecute him
The EFCC is prosecuting Agunloye, 75, on corruption charges concerning a failed $6 billion Mambilla Hydropower project.
He, however denied the charges, and likewise filed an application to challenge the anti-corruption agency’s powers to prosecute him.
Ruling on the issue on Monday, the judge, Jude Onwueguzie, said Agunloye’s application lacked merit because Section 177 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the EFCC to try suspects on the alleged offences.
“I have studied the issues to be considered in this matter by the defendant whether the motion ought to be charged by the EFCC. It is eminent to note that the learned counsel in this case before the court are seasoned counsels, issues of such should not arise.
“The court is not a novice, neither is it confused or in doubt on matters like this, so the intervention of friends of the court is not needed.
“Therefore the motion is hereby dismissed,” the judge was quoted as saying in a statement shared made available to the media on Monday by the EFCC’s spokesperson.
The judge adjourned the suit until 22 April 2024 for hearing following the dismissal of the application.
