EFCC Docks Ex-Minister, Olu Agunloye Over $6bn Mambila Deal

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, in Kuje prison.

This is in connection with a $6 billion power scheme involving the Mambilla hydropower project.

Agunploye was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Center by trial Justice Donatus Okorowo, after he was docked before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over his alleged complicity in fraud.

Agunolye who got national limelight at chairman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) also served as a Minister of State for Defence, beofe his last duty post under the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo presidency.

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The court directed that he should remain in custody, pending the determination of his bail application, following his plea of not guilty.

Agunloye’s travails began after he was accused of awarding a contract for the above mentioned project, considered illegal.

He had said he did not indulge in any illegality concerning the project, in a response provided by  his friend, Oluwafisan Bankale.

A statement to that effect was issued on December, 22, 2023 by his friend, Oluwafisan Bankale.

 “Such a move at this moment provides this government the much-needed straw to clutch on to demonstrate its readiness, or otherwise, to rid our dear country of these debilitating problems of corruption hoisted on the German foundation of impunity.”

“My spirits are high and have been high all along. I am innocent of the charges brought against me by EFCC. I am innocent of the International Arbitration on the Mambilla Project in France.

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“I came out of EFCC detention at about midday yesterday, 20th December. I thank God for His mercies and graciousness. I also thank my family members, friends, associates, and God-sent facilitators for their roles and concerns. May God bless them all.

“I am currently battling my health issues, which deteriorated very badly during the incarceration by EFCC,” Chief Olu Agunloye had added.