The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of the former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, in Kuje prison. The decision was handed down by trial Justice Donatus Okorowo after Agunloye was docked before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), facing charges of alleged complicity in fraud. Despite pleading not guilty, the court directed that he be held in custody pending the determination of his bail application.
The roots of this legal battle trace back to the controversial $6 billion Mambilla hydropower project, a venture that has cast a shadow over Agunloye's political career. The EFCC had declared Agunloye wanted in connection with the power scheme, accusing him of fraudulently awarding the project without proper approval by the Federal Executive Council.
A pivotal figure in President Olusegun Obasanjo's government from 1999 to 2003, Agunloye has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Obasanjo, however, has accused him of illegally approving the Mambilla power project and distorting information.
In a statement issued on December 22, 2023, by his friend Oluwafisan Bankale, Agunloye insisted on his innocence, declaring, "My spirits are high, and I am innocent of the charges brought against me by the EFCC." He maintained that the charges of fraud and forgery would not stick, emphasizing his belief that his identity would shield him from these accusations.
Moreover, Agunloye called for a public identification of all individuals involved in the controversy, urging the government to bring them to justice. His statement reflected a broader sentiment, suggesting that the case presented an opportunity for the government to showcase its commitment to combating corruption and upholding accountability.
The former minister's legal troubles took a toll on his health during his recent detention by the EFCC, as he battles health issues exacerbated by the circumstances surrounding his arrest. Despite these challenges, Agunloye
