Mambilla Power Trial: EFCC Witness Disputes Agunloye’s Claim of Doctored FEC Record

Court hears conflicting documents as former Power Minister faces corruption and forgery charges in Abuja

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By A1 News International
Abuja, Nigeria — March 11, 2026

The trial of former Power Minister Olu Agunloye over the controversial Mambilla Hydroelectric Project saw fresh drama in Abuja as an EFCC investigator told the FCT High Court that Agunloye’s claim of a doctored Federal Executive Council (FEC) record is unsubstantiated. The disclosure highlights legal tensions over critical documents central to allegations of corruption, forgery, and unlawful approval of the 3,960MW project.

What Happened
Assistant Commissioner of Police Umar Hussein Babangida, testifying for the EFCC before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie in Apo, said Agunloye claimed during interrogation that the May 21, 2003 FEC extract had been “altered and doctored.” Babangida dismissed the allegation, explaining investigators obtained the record from both the Ministry of Power and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) and found them substantially identical.

The witness identified two prosecution exhibits — EFCC 3D (OSGF) and EFCC 3K (Ministry of Power) — noting structural differences such as paragraph numbering and agency references, but maintained these did not indicate forgery.

Official Response
Under cross-examination, defence counsel Adeola Adedipe argued the EFCC witness should not explain discrepancies, claiming he was not the document’s author. Prosecutor Abba Mohammed countered, citing constitutional provisions and the Evidence Act to justify the testimony. Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case to March 16 to rule on whether the EFCC witness can provide explanations on the conflicting documents.

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Background
Agunloye faces a seven-count amended charge including disobedience of presidential directives, conspiracy, forgery, and receipt of N5.212 million in connection with the Mambilla Hydroelectric Project under a Build-Operate-Transfer arrangement. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The project, intended to generate 3,960MW, has been mired in delays and controversies over approvals and alleged kickbacks involving businessman Leno Adesanya.

Why It Matters
The court’s decision on whether EFCC investigators can explain discrepancies in FEC records could significantly impact the prosecution’s case, setting a precedent for how documentary evidence is treated in high-profile corruption trials.

For Nigerians, the trial underscores persistent governance challenges in mega-infrastructure projects and the role of transparent legal scrutiny in holding public officials accountable. The handling of FEC records in court signals whether institutional integrity and documentary evidence can withstand intense political and legal pressure.