Judge reprimands Agunloye?s lawyer over ?delay tactics? in $6bn Mambilla case

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo has cautioned Adeola Adedipe, counsel for former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, over delays in the ongoing trial. According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the judge expressed frustration on Thursday over repeated adjournments, which Adedipe attributed to Agunloye’s health and age, as well as motions that have delayed the case’s progress.

“My principle of justice is that of no delay,” the judge stated, highlighting past delays, including one occasion when the defense raised the issue of amicus curiae (friend of the court), resulting in what he termed a “waste of the court’s time.” He added, “There must be mutual respect. Do not come and serve processes in court; I don’t take that in my court.”

The EFCC is prosecuting Agunloye on charges tied to the controversial $6 billion Mambilla hydropower contract awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Ltd. in 2003. The anti-graft agency alleges that suspicious payments were made by Sunrise to Agunloye’s bank accounts. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has publicly questioned Agunloye’s authority in awarding the contract, which has faced ongoing scrutiny.

At the hearing, EFCC prosecutor Abba Mohammed requested an adjournment to review counter-affidavits filed by the defense in opposition to amending the charges. Justice Onwuegbuzie subsequently adjourned the case to November 28 for a ruling on the matter.

Agunloye, who was arraigned by the EFCC on January 11 on a seven-count charge of fraudulent contract awards and official corruption, was previously granted bail of N50 million.