Alleged $6bn Mambilla fraud: Obasanjo ready to testify when needed — Witness

Nkereuwem Effiong

A prosecution witness in the trial of former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has told the Federal High Court in Apo, Abuja, that former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed readiness to testify on issues surrounding the controversial Mambilla Power Project whenever necessary.

The witness, Umar Hussein Babangida (PW3), made this statement on Monday while being cross-examined by defence counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN) before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.

According to the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Agunloye is standing trial on an amended seven-count charge bordering on official corruption and the alleged fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract.

Babangida told the court that Obasanjo, in a letter dated November 27, 2023, and addressed to the Attorney-General of the Federation, declared his willingness to appear before any court, arbitration panel, or forum should his testimony be required in the interest of the nation.

He also referenced another letter dated April 7, 2003, written by Agunloye to then-President Obasanjo, in which the former minister requested consideration of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

According to the witness, Obasanjo did not object but directed that the memo be presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for comparison with a proposed coal-fired thermal power project of 4,000–5,000 megawatts.

Responding to questions about whether Obasanjo had any personal issues with Agunloye, Babangida said he could not recall any such indication, noting that his comments were strictly based on responses to a questionnaire submitted to the former president.

“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 said.

He added that Obasanjo maintained that no contract was awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company during his administration, as there was neither FEC approval nor awareness of any contract award purportedly made on May 27, 2003.