EFCC Manhunt: $6bn Mambilla Project Promoter Declared Wanted Over Alleged Corruption

EFCC Manhunt: $6bn Mambilla Project Promoter Declared Wanted Over Alleged Corruption

In a significant development concerning the $6 billion Mambilla hydropower project, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its pursuit of Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Limited, declaring him wanted for alleged conspiracy and corrupt dealings with public officers……READ ALSO Former Kwara Governor In Hot Water: EFCC Detains Him Over Alleged N10 Billion Diversion

This revelation emerged from a notice issued by the EFCC on Tuesday, shedding light on Adesanya’s involvement in purported illicit activities linked to the Mambilla project, a critical endeavor in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.

Adesanya’s name surfaced in connection with three out of seven charges levied against former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, who faces prosecution by the EFCC over infractions related to the Mambilla hydropower contract.

The allegations against Agunloye include the fraudulent award of contracts and official corruption, particularly regarding the procurement process surrounding the Mambilla project. Notably, it is asserted that Adesanya played a significant role in facilitating corrupt transactions, including the unauthorized disbursement of funds.

The EFCC accuses Agunloye of awarding a lucrative contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited in May 2003 without the necessary budgetary provisions or approval, constituting a severe breach of procurement protocols.

Furthermore, Agunloye stands accused of accepting a substantial sum from Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, allegedly on behalf of the Nigerian government, without proper authorization or oversight from the Federal Executive Council.

Despite Adesanya’s plea of not guilty to these charges, the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Mambilla project has brought to light a complex web of allegations and counter-allegations.

Meanwhile, Sunrise Power finds itself embroiled in arbitration proceedings against the Nigerian government at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, France. The company alleges a breach of contract dating back to the Obasanjo administration’s tenure, citing the rejection of a $6 billion Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.

In response, the Nigerian government has raised allegations of fraud and corruption against public officials involved in the award of the Mambilla contract, intensifying the legal and regulatory scrutiny surrounding this high-profile infrastructure venture.