The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, on fresh allegations linked to the controversial $6 billion Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project.

Agunloye appeared before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, on Thursday to face an amended seven-count charge bordering on disobedience to presidential directives, forgery, and receiving unlawful payments.

The EFCC alleges that in May 2003, the former minister ignored a presidential directive during a Federal Executive Council meeting and went on to sign a letter granting Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited (SPTCL) approval to construct the 3,960-megawatt Mambila Power Station. He was also accused of conspiring with SPTCL’s chairman, Leno Adesanya—now declared at large—to forge key documents.

Prosecutors further claimed that Agunloye received ₦5.2 million between 2019 and 2020 through his Guaranty Trust Bank account from individuals tied to SPTCL.

The former minister pleaded not guilty to all the charges and insisted on his innocence. His counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), raised no objection to the amended charges being read in court.

With the prosecution’s third witness absent, the court adjourned the matter until October 9, 2025, for cross-examination.

The Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project remains Nigeria’s most ambitious but stalled energy venture, plagued for years by legal disputes and allegations of corruption.