Ex-Minister Challenges EFCC’s Authority In $6bn Fraud Allegation

Ex-Minister Challenges EFCC’s Authority In $6bn Fraud Allegation

Former Minister of Power and Steel, Mr. Olu Agunloye, has taken a bold stance against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), challenging its authority to prosecute him in an alleged $6 billion contract fraud case…..READ ALSO EFCC Busts Alleged Internet Fraud Syndicate: 4 Brothers Among 30 Arrested

In a hearing at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Agunloye contested the EFCC’s jurisdiction to try him over accusations related to the award of a contract for the construction of the 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station during his tenure as minister.

The EFCC accused Agunloye of illegally awarding the contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited without budgetary provision, approval, or cash backing. Additionally, he was alleged to have received kickbacks totaling N3.6 million from the company.

However, the former minister, who served under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, entered a plea of not guilty to the seven-count charge leveled against him.

During the court proceedings, Agunloye, now 76 years old, filed a motion questioning the EFCC’s legal authority under the EFCC Act of 2004 to prosecute him for the alleged offenses. He argued that the agency lacked the investigative and prosecutorial powers necessary to pursue the case against him, citing specific sections of the EFCC Act.

The court has set February 26 for further deliberations on the motion, indicating a critical legal showdown between the ex-minister and the anti-corruption agency.