The $6 billion Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, one of Nigeria’s most ambitious yet troubled infrastructure plans, has once again taken the spotlight as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re-arraigned ex-Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, on September 18, 2025.
Court Proceedings
Agunloye was brought before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on an amended seven-count charge. The EFCC alleges that the former minister illegally awarded the contract for the 3,960-megawatt power station to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) in 2003.
According to the charges, Agunloye disregarded a presidential directive and instead signed documents conveying government approval to Sunrise. The EFCC also accused him and Sunrise’s Leno Adesanya, who remains at large, of presenting a falsified Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) document to secure the contract.
Denial of Wrongdoing
Agunloye entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His defence team stressed that his actions were taken with the aim of advancing Nigeria’s power development.
The court adjourned the matter to October 9, 2025, after EFCC counsel, M.K. Hussein, requested a continuation of witness examination.
A History of Disputes
Located in Taraba State, the Mambilla project has been on Nigeria’s agenda since the 1980s. Despite its potential to produce nearly 4,000 megawatts of electricity, making it the nation’s largest energy project, it remains stalled due to prolonged litigation, corruption probes, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
The central role of Sunrise Power in the saga has resulted in protracted legal battles between the company and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Anti-Corruption Drive
The EFCC’s pursuit of Agunloye signals a wider effort to address legacy corruption cases tied to energy infrastructure, a sector critical to Nigeria’s economic growth.