By Seun Ibiyemi
Fresh developments emerged on Monday in the ongoing trial linked to the controversial $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, as a prosecution witness admitted to an inconsistency in his testimony before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The trial, which has drawn significant attention due to its implications for one of Nigeria’s largest power infrastructure projects, involves former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, who is facing charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At the resumed hearing, the fifth prosecution witness, Iliya Iyakwari, an Assistant Legal Adviser in the Federal Ministry of Power, came under scrutiny during cross-examination by defence counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN).
The witness had previously informed the court that he certified documents relating to a Federal Executive Council (FEC) resolution requested by the EFCC in June 2023 as part of investigations into the Mambilla project.
However, during cross-examination, Iyakwari was asked to identify the certification date on the document presented before the court.
He subsequently acknowledged that no such date appeared on the document and admitted that his earlier assertion regarding certification in 2023 was inaccurate.
The development triggered a legal argument between the prosecution and defence over the admissibility and relevance of the line of questioning.
While the prosecution objected, arguing that the question could infringe on the witness’s rights, the defence maintained that testing the credibility and accuracy of witness testimony is a fundamental component of cross-examination.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie overruled the objection and directed the witness to respond. The witness thereafter confirmed that his earlier statement to the court was not correct.
The case remains closely watched within legal and business circles because of its connection to the long-delayed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, a strategic energy infrastructure project expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity upon completion.
The EFCC alleges that Agunloye improperly facilitated approvals relating to the project and received more than N5 million from Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited through an intermediary.
The anti-graft agency also alleges forgery and conspiracy in connection with documents linked to the project.
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Agunloye has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the seven-count amended charge.
Industry stakeholders continue to monitor the proceedings due to the potential implications for investor confidence, public procurement processes, infrastructure financing and the future development of major power projects in Nigeria.
Following Monday’s proceedings, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter until Wednesday for continuation of trial.
