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$6bn Mambilla Power Project Trial: Agunloye Cut FG’s Stake Without Presidential Approval —EFCC Witness Tells Court

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$6bn Mambilla Power Project Trial: Agunloye Cut FG’s Stake Without Presidential Approval —EFCC Witness Tells Court

An EFCC witness has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that former minister Olu Agunloye reduced FG equity in the Mambilla project without approval and received ₦5.6m

Mambilla Power Project Trial: EFCC Witness Testifies Against Olu Agunloye

The trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, took a dramatic turn on Monday as a prosecution witness told the court that the ex-minister unilaterally reduced the Federal Government’s equity stake in the controversial Mambilla Power Project without presidential approval.

Testifying before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Apo Division, Abuja, the third prosecution witness, Umar Hussein Babangida, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleged that the government’s stake was cut from 25 percent to 10 percent without due authorisation.

Agunloye is being prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and the alleged fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), the witness maintained that the original recommendation for the Federal Government’s equity participation stood at 25 percent, equivalent to $1.5 billion.

“There was no government approval for the reduction to 10 percent,” the witness stated, insisting that the decision was taken without the knowledge of then President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Earlier in the proceedings, the court ruled in favour of the prosecution, allowing the witness to clarify alleged discrepancies between Exhibits EFCC 3K and EFCC 3D—documents relating to Federal Executive Council (FEC) deliberations on the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project dated May 21, 2003.

Explaining the documents, the witness told the court, “Exhibit EFCC 3K contains paragraph 14, which is an extract of the deliberation of the FEC meeting of May 21, 2003, concerning the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Plant and exhibit EFCC 3D, paragraph 14 is also a document of FEC meeting of May 21, 2003. Both are the same in exact words and there is no ambiguity in the two exhibits. Exhibit 3D shows paragraph 13,14, 15 while 3K shows only paragraph 14 which was transmitted to the Ministry of Power by the cabinet office,” he said.

The witness further revealed that a cabinet member was later invited on May 22, 2003, to provide a fuller account of events, as documented in Exhibit EFCC 3N—linked to a response prepared for former President Obasanjo by legal representatives from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.

In another key revelation, the EFCC investigator alleged that Agunloye received ₦5.6 million as gratification linked to the contract award. According to him, the money was transferred in 2003 by Jide Sotinri on the instruction of his superior, Leno Adesanya.

He added that while Sotinri claimed in an extrajudicial statement that the funds were meant for surgery, bank records indicated otherwise.

The witness also told the court that at the time the contract was awarded, there was no Ministerial Tenders Board in place, noting that the process was handled instead by a technical committee.

Following the conclusion of cross-examination, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter to March 30, 2026, for re-examination of the witness, and further fixed April 20, 27, and 30, 2026, for continuation of trial.

The high-stakes case continues to draw attention as it revisits decisions made during Nigeria’s early 2000s power sector reforms, with significant implications for accountability and transparency in public procurement. Read More

Alleged False Declaration: Court Adjourns Suit on Dapo Abiodun’s Educational Qualifications to July 9

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Alleged False Declaration: Court Adjourns Suit on Dapo Abiodun’s Educational Qualifications to July 9

A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned a suit challenging Governor Dapo Abiodun’s academic credentials and INEC filings to July 9, 2026.

Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Abiodun’s Credentials to July 9

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned a high-profile suit challenging the academic credentials and electoral declarations of Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun State, to July 9, 2026.

The case, filed by civil society groups including Human Global Resource Initiative and Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, is before Justice Aneke at the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Lagos Judicial Division. It lists several defendants, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and major political parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the Labour Party.

At the heart of the suit are alleged discrepancies in Abiodun’s educational history as declared in documents submitted to INEC ahead of the 2014, 2019, and 2023 general elections. The applicants are asking the court to determine whether the governor’s sworn declaration—stating that he attended the University of Ife in 1986 and Kennesaw State University in 1989—was truthful.

They also raised concerns over inconsistencies in his primary school records, pointing to differing claims about attendance at schools in Ayetoro, as reflected in multiple INEC forms. According to the applicants, such variations may amount to false declaration under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Further questions were raised regarding his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with the plaintiffs arguing that, based on his declared graduation timeline, he ought to have completed the mandatory scheme. The suit also alleges failure to disclose an alleged past indictment and imprisonment, which the applicants described as “material concealment.”

Speaking after the court session, lead counsel to the plaintiffs, Professor Yemi Oke (SAN), clarified that the suit seeks constitutional interpretation rather than targeting any individual.

“We are not particular about any candidate; we want the court to clarify the position of the law on whether a person who allegedly makes false declarations on oath while filling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) forms can contest elections,” he said.

Oke further argued that existing Supreme Court decisions already establish that false declarations could be grounds for disqualification, adding that the outcome of the case would provide much-needed legal clarity.

He also dismissed suggestions that the suit is barred by the constitutional immunity of a sitting governor, stating:
“Originating summons are meant for the court to interpret the law and make necessary pronouncements. It has nothing to do with immunity.”

Also reacting, Executive Director of Human Rights Monitoring Agenda, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, said the action is aimed at strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s political system.

“This is not just about the Governor of Ogun State. It is about ensuring that our political system is free from moral corruption and that those in leadership positions are held accountable,” he said.

Similarly, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Comrade Adewale Ojo, stressed the importance of due process and electoral integrity, noting that preventing irregularities in the system is key to deepening democracy.

With the matter now adjourned, all parties are expected to file their responses ahead of the next hearing date, as legal and political observers closely watch what could become a defining case on electoral compliance and constitutional accountability in Nigeria. Read More

Ooni, Alaafin Lead Nigeria–Brazil Cultural Alliance for Global Orisha Congress

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Ooni, Alaafin Lead Nigeria–Brazil Cultural Alliance for Global Orisha Congress

Ooni, Alaafin Lead Nigeria–Brazil Cultural Alliance for Global Orisha Congress

The Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Abimbola Abdulhakeem Owoade I have joined forces under a landmark cultural initiative as Nigeria and Brazil seal a partnership to host the World Orisha Congress (WOOCON), a global gathering aimed at reconnecting people of African descent to their roots.

The congress is expected to attract participants from across Africa and the diaspora, positioning Nigeria as a central hub for cultural revival and heritage diplomacy.

The development followed a high-level meeting between the Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, Biodun Ajiboye, and the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, at the Brazilian Embassy in Abuja.

Discussions focused on logistics, international participation, and strengthening collaboration, particularly given Brazil’s large Afro-descendant population and its deep cultural ties to Yoruba heritage.

Ajiboye noted that the initiative is rooted in the historical significance of the Orisha tradition, which originated from Yorubaland in South-West Nigeria. He explained that the project envisions the creation of a dedicated “WOOCON City” to host recurring global gatherings two or three times annually.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the long-standing desire among Afro-descendant communities, especially in Brazil, to reconnect with their African origins.

The Orisha Congress is designed as a recurring global platform bringing together practitioners, scholars, and cultural leaders to celebrate and preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Orisha tradition.

A Board of Trustees will oversee the project, with the Ooni of Ife serving as chairman and the Alaafin of Oyo as co-chairman, while Ajiboye will act as secretary.

Prominent figures, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka and renowned scholar Wande Abimbola, have been listed among the patrons, alongside several traditional rulers.

As part of efforts to advance the initiative, the Ooni of Ife is expected to lead a delegation to meet Bola Ahmed Tinubu to push forward discussions on the WOOCON agenda.

Envisioned as a major annual cultural event, WOOCON is set to promote cultural exchange, strengthen ties between Africa and the diaspora, and elevate Nigeria’s global cultural influence. Read More

Nigeria Secures £746m UK-Backed Deal to Transform Apapa, Tin Can Ports

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Nigeria Secures £746m UK-Backed Deal to Transform Apapa, Tin Can Ports

Nigeria has secured a landmark £746 million financing deal backed by the United Kingdom to modernise its two busiest seaports—Lagos Port Complex and Tin Can Island Port Complex—in what is being described as the most ambitious port upgrade in nearly five decades.

The agreement, facilitated through UK Export Finance (UKEF), will fund a comprehensive overhaul of the facilities, which together handle over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s import and export traffic.

The deal is expected to be formally signed during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to London from March 18 to 19, underscoring deepening economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, described the initiative as a turning point for Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“For decades, Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port have borne the weight of our national trade, yet their infrastructure has not kept pace with modern global shipping demands,” he said, adding that the project represents a full-scale transformation rather than a routine upgrade.

The Lagos Port Complex, established in 1913, remains Nigeria’s oldest and busiest seaport, while the Tin Can Island Port Complex, commissioned in 1977, was designed to support its capacity. Both facilities have long faced infrastructure challenges due to decades without major modernisation.

According to Oyetola, the upgrade will introduce advanced cargo-handling equipment, expand port capacity, and integrate digital systems aimed at eliminating operational bottlenecks.

He noted that automation and digitalisation would significantly reduce vessel turnaround time and cargo delays, improving efficiency and lowering logistics costs for businesses.

“Efficiency at the ports is central to the health of the national economy,” the minister said, stressing that improved infrastructure would enhance trade, boost revenue, and support long-term economic growth.

Beyond operational improvements, the government views the project as a strategic move to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa, attracting more vessel traffic and increasing investor confidence.

“Our vision is to build a port system that reflects the aspirations of a modern and globally competitive Nigeria,” Oyetola added.

The modernisation programme is expected to play a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s logistics chain and advancing its broader economic development agenda.

Tinubu Orders Service Chiefs to Maiduguri After Deadly Bomb Attacks

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Tinubu Orders Service Chiefs to Maiduguri After Deadly Bomb Attacks

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the nation’s Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to take direct control of the security situation following a series of deadly bomb attacks.

The directive comes after coordinated explosions in Borno State claimed over 20 lives and left more than 100 people injured, raising fresh concerns about security in the region.

Reacting to the attacks shortly before departing for a state visit to the United Kingdom, Tinubu described the incidents as “profoundly upsetting,” while extending condolences to the victims and their families.

“I mourn those who lost their lives, sympathise with the injured and stand in solidarity with the people of Borno during this challenging time,” the President said.

Tinubu, however, insisted that the attacks were acts of desperation by terrorist groups under pressure from Nigerian security forces.

“These are the final desperate attempts by criminals trying to instil fear, as they are under constant pressure from our armed forces,” he stated.

The President commended the military and civilian task forces for repelling attacks on security formations, assuring Nigerians that efforts to eliminate terrorism would be intensified.

He revealed that additional equipment and operational support had already been approved for security agencies to strengthen their capabilities.

As part of immediate measures, Tinubu directed Service Chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri to coordinate operations on the ground, while also instructing emergency agencies to provide adequate care for the injured.

“There is no place in Nigeria where terrorists will find safety. We will locate them, confront them, and completely defeat them,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national security, declaring that Nigeria would not yield to fear amid ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

Court Fines EFCC N500,000 Over Delays in Emefiele Trial, Grants Final Adjournment

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Court Fines EFCC N500,000 Over Delays in Emefiele Trial, Grants Final Adjournment

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Maitama has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay a fine of N500,000 for delays in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

Justice Hamza Muazu imposed the cost on Tuesday after the prosecution failed to present its witness at the resumed hearing, citing repeated adjournments that have slowed the trial.

The judge, however, granted what he described as a final adjournment to enable the EFCC to produce its witness and proceed with the case.

Emefiele is currently facing a 20-count amended charge bordering on alleged criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money by false pretence.

Among the allegations, the former apex bank chief is accused of fraudulently obtaining $6.23 million purportedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general elections. He is also alleged to have conferred undue advantages on two firms—April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.

At Tuesday’s proceedings, prosecuting counsel Abba Mohammed (SAN) informed the court that the scheduled witness, a Deputy Commissioner of Police, was absent due to another court engagement involving a personal legal matter.

He told the court that steps had been taken to formally request the witness’s presence through the Inspector-General of Police and sought an adjournment.

However, defence counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution had already exceeded the number of adjournments permitted under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Burkaa maintained that the EFCC had been granted multiple adjournments despite earlier securing accelerated hearing, adding that the prosecution had ample time to prepare its witnesses.

In his ruling, Justice Muazu agreed that the law limits adjournments but noted that the court retains discretion in the interest of justice, particularly in a case of such magnitude.

Citing provisions of the ACJA, the judge sanctioned the prosecution for delays and awarded a N500,000 cost against the EFCC.
The case was subsequently adjourned to April 27 and 28 for continuation of trial.

Shettima, Obasanjo, Jonathan Storm Anambra for Soludo’s Second-Term Inauguration

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Shettima, Obasanjo, Jonathan Storm Anambra for Soludo’s Second-Term Inauguration

Top political heavyweights, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday arrived in Anambra State for the second-term inauguration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

The dignitaries touched down at Chinua Achebe International Airport, according to a video released by the Anambra State New Media team, confirming their presence ahead of the high-profile ceremony.

Other notable figures, including elder statesman Emeka Anyaoku, were also expected to grace the occasion, underscoring the political significance of the event.

The inauguration is taking place at the refurbished Alex Ekwueme Square, with an impressive turnout of traditional rulers from all 179 communities in the state, alongside monarchs from across the country.

Governor Soludo secured re-election on November 8, 2025, under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which mobilised supporters from all 326 political wards for the ceremony.

Security has been significantly reinforced across Anambra, with personnel from multiple agencies strategically deployed to ensure a smooth and incident-free inauguration.

The ceremony follows the conclusion of the governor’s first term, marked by an interdenominational thanksgiving service held on Sunday at the International Convention Centre.

FFK Blasts Dele Momodu Over Tinubu ‘Dictator’ Claim, Slams ADC as Weak Opposition

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FFK Blasts Dele Momodu Over Tinubu ‘Dictator’ Claim, Slams ADC as Weak Opposition

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has launched a scathing attack on media entrepreneur and politician, Dele Momodu, over his recent criticism of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Momodu, during an interview on Channels Television, had compared Tinubu to former military ruler Sani Abacha and described his leadership style as dictatorial.

Reacting in a strongly worded statement, Fani-Kayode said the comparison was misplaced and reflective of what he described as “cognitive dissonance.” While acknowledging his personal relationship with Momodu, he suggested that the Ovation publisher appeared “drained, tired and broken” during the interview.

He urged Momodu to take a break from political commentary, arguing that his remarks were not only unfair to the President but also disrespectful to other government officials, including the Vice President, ministers, lawmakers, and newly appointed ambassadors.
Fani-Kayode also took aim at the African Democratic Congress (ADC), with which Momodu is associated, describing it as weak and lacking the structure required to function as a credible opposition.

According to him, the party is ill-prepared for Nigeria’s political landscape and should focus on rebuilding rather than criticizing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He argued that the growing number of political defections to the APC is not by chance, but a reflection of confidence in Tinubu’s leadership and the ruling party’s direction.

Fani-Kayode further dismissed claims that Tinubu’s administration would falter, expressing optimism that the President would complete his tenure successfully.

The former minister concluded by urging Momodu to reconsider his political stance and align with what he described as a more stable and effective political platform, as Nigeria gradually shifts focus toward the 2027 general elections.

APC Not Chasing Defectors, Opposition ‘Unbelievably Weak’ — Ismaeel Ahmed

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APC Not Chasing Defectors, Opposition ‘Unbelievably Weak’ — Ismaeel Ahmed

Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG), Ismaeel Ahmed, has stated that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not actively seeking new members despite the wave of defections into the party.

Ahmed made the remarks on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he addressed the growing trend of politicians switching allegiance to the APC.

His comments come amid a surge in high-profile defections, including several state governors, with Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State recently joining the ruling party. Currently, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Bala Mohammed remain among the few governors still aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), although speculation persists about possible further defections.

Reacting to the trend, Ahmed emphasized that the APC is not deliberately working to weaken opposition parties by encouraging defections.
“We don’t go out of our way looking for people to come just because they want to defect or because we want to weaken the opposition,” he said.

While acknowledging that the party welcomes new entrants, Ahmed expressed personal reservations about the culture of political defections, noting that it undermines democratic values.

“I am not a fan of defectors in political parties. The political and democratic spirit in me does not appreciate defections,” he added.

He, however, did not hold back in his criticism of opposition parties, describing them as ineffective and unable to capitalize on key national issues.

“I thought, personally, that the opposition was just unbelievably weak. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. They couldn’t take advantage of so many issues to better their lots,” Ahmed said.

His remarks highlight growing concerns about the strength of Nigeria’s opposition as the country gradually builds momentum toward the 2027 general elections.

26 Injured as Abuja–Kaduna Train Suffers Mid-Route Collision Near Asham

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26 Injured as Abuja–Kaduna Train Suffers Mid-Route Collision Near Asham

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has confirmed that 26 passengers and crew members sustained varying degrees of injuries following a train incident along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor on Monday.

In a statement issued on Tuesday via his X handle, the NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, said the incident occurred at about 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station after a loud bang was heard during the journey.

Opeifa disclosed that the Kaduna–Abuja service (KA-2) departed Rigassa Station at 7:15 a.m. and arrived at Jere Station one minute ahead of schedule at 8:52 a.m.

However, the train left Jere at 8:59 a.m., six minutes behind schedule following the coupling of locomotive 2809 to improve operational resilience.

He explained that the incident occurred between kilometre points 50 and 51 as the train approached Asham Station, when the power car and a trailing locomotive collided with one of the coaches, with preliminary reports pointing to a possible fault in the coupling system.

“None of the coaches derailed, and the reason for the possible decoupling is yet to be ascertained,” he said.

The NRC boss added that the affected components — locomotive 2809, power car BVA0002 and passenger coach SP0006 — were subsequently detached to allow the journey to continue.

The train departed the scene at 9:42 a.m., arrived Kubwa at 10:10 a.m., and reached its final destination at Idu Station at 10:39 a.m., recording a total delay of 38 minutes.

Providing further details, Opeifa said a total of 481 persons were on board, including 429 passengers out of 459 booked. Others included 10 crew members, 26 security personnel, six food vendors, eight cleaners and two third-party operators.

“A total of 26 people sustained varying degrees of injuries, including passengers, medical crew, cleaners and security personnel,” he stated.

On service recovery, he noted that operations resumed later in the day, with the Abuja–Kaduna train service commencing the AK1 trip from Idu to Rigassa at 2:48 p.m., against its scheduled 11:00 a.m. departure.

The train arrived Rigassa at 5:33 p.m., with Opeifa and other NRC officials on board, while a return service departed at 6:12 p.m., arriving Kubwa at 8:31 p.m. and Idu at 8:58 p.m.

The NRC assured passengers of its commitment to safety as investigations into the incident continue.

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