In a significant legal development, the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, dealt a blow to former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, as Justice Jude Onwueguzie dismissed his attempt to halt prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Agunloye faced a barrage of seven-count charges related to the suspected fraudulent award of the Mambilla Power Project contract amounting to a staggering $6 billion.
The court proceedings on May 15, 2024, saw Agunloye's counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), filing a motion challenging the jurisdiction of the EFCC to prosecute and the court to try him. However, the prosecution, represented by Abba Muhammed, swiftly responded with a counter affidavit, labeling Agunloye's motion as incompetent and contrary to legal provisions.
In a decisive ruling, Justice Onwueguzie struck down Agunloye's motion, emphasizing the EFCC's statutory authority conferred by Sections 6 and 7 of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, to investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes. He underscored the breadth of the EFCC's mandate, encompassing various offenses such as contract scams, money laundering, and advance fee fraud, thus debunking Agunloye's contention.
The judge also addressed concerns about the legitimacy of the prosecution fiat obtained from the Office of the Auditor-General instead of the Attorney-General of the Federation. He clarified that in the absence of the AGF, any competent authority could initiate criminal proceedings, affirming the potency of the charges against Agunloye.
As the courtroom saga unfolds, the case has been adjourned until May 30, 2024, marking a pivotal juncture in the legal battle against alleged financial malfeasance.
For more updates on this case and other stories, visit www.efcc.gov.ng