Mambilla Trial: Witness Explains Certification of FEC Meeting Extracts in Agunloye Case
By Peace Erewunmi
A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how extracts of a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting were certified and transmitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The testimony formed part of proceedings in the trial over allegations bordering on the controversial $6 billion Mambilla Hydropower Project contract.
According to the witness, the EFCC had formally requested certified copies of minutes from the May 21, 2003 FEC meeting during its investigation into the project.
He explained that the request was processed through the appropriate government channels, including the Ministry of Power and the Cabinet Affairs Office, before the relevant extracts were certified and forwarded to the anti-graft agency.
The documents, which were tendered in court, are being used as part of evidence in the prosecution’s case against the former minister.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alleges that irregularities occurred in the award and handling of the Mambilla Power Project contract, valued at about $6 billion.
The witness confirmed that the certification followed official procedures for retrieving and validating records of Federal Executive Council deliberations.
The case is being heard before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie, with the prosecution continuing to present documentary and testimonial evidence.
As of the time of filing this report, the defendant has continued to deny the allegations against him, and the court has adjourned further proceedings.
