Court Denies Ex-Power Minister Olu Agunloye’s Request To Travel Abroad For Medical Treatment
The Federal High Court in Abuja has turned down an application by former Minister of Power and Steel Olu Agunloye to travel overseas for medical attention.
The ruling was made on Wednesday in the context of Agunloye’s trial on alleged fraud charges involving $6 billion.
Agunloye held office during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated prosecution proceedings against a former minister, as previously reported by SaharaReporters.
The case, filed as FCT/HC/CR/617/22, involves a seven-count charge alleging forgery, disobedience of a presidential directive, and corruption.
Specifically, the former minister is accused of awarding a contract for the construction of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited on May 22, 2003, without requisite budgetary provisions, approvals, or financial backing.
The prosecution presented additional allegations, claiming to have identified suspicious transactions from Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited to the former minister’s accounts.
The defendant entered a not guilty plea in response to the charges.
In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie determined that the defendant failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify his claim that his medical condition could not be treated in a Nigerian hospital.
Consequently, the judge dismissed the defendant’s application for international travel for medical purposes.
The trial has been adjourned until September 23 for further proceedings.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his willingness to testify on behalf of Nigeria in any forum regarding the controversial Mambilla power contract.
In a statement, President Obasanjo challenged Olu Agunloye to explain the source of his authority to unilaterally award a $6 billion contract to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, inviting him to clarify his actions to the Nigerian public.
