EFCC Presents Fifth Witness in Trial of Former Power Minister Olu Agunloye
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday presented its fifth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Agunloye is standing trial on an amended seven-count charge bordering on alleged official corruption and the award of the Mambilla Power Project contract valued at $6 billion to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.
The fifth prosecution witness, Iliya John Iyakwari, an Assistant Director of Legal in the Federal Ministry of Justice currently serving as Assistant Legal Adviser in the Federal Ministry of Power, testified before the court while being led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN).
According to the witness, he certified an extract of the minutes of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on May 21, 2003, following a request made by the EFCC as part of its investigation into the matter.
Iyakwari told the court that in June 2023, the EFCC wrote to the Ministry of Power through the Permanent Secretary, requesting the certified extract of the FEC meeting.
He explained that the request was subsequently forwarded to the ministry’s Legal Services Department, which obtained the relevant document from the department responsible for maintaining such records.
The witness stated that after receiving the extract, he was directed by the ministry’s Legal Adviser to certify the document before forwarding it to the EFCC using the ministry’s official letterhead.
During the proceedings, the witness identified the EFCC’s letter requesting the document and the ministry’s response letter, both of which were admitted as exhibits.
Following the testimony, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter until June 8, 2026, for the cross-examination of the witness.
The trial is part of the EFCC’s prosecution of the former minister over allegations relating to the controversial Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project contract, allegations which remain before the court for determination.
EFCC Presents Fifth Witness in Trial of Former Power Minister Olu Agunloye