Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, FCT, sitting in Apo, Abuja, has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) request to amend the charges against former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, and directed him to take his plea. Agunloye is facing seven counts related to official corruption and the fraudulent awarding of the Mambilla Power Project contract, valued at $6 billion.
On July 1, 2024, prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), brought the amended charge to the court’s attention, requesting that the court accept it and have the defendant enter his plea, citing Sections 216 and 217 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
However, EFCC’s application faced opposition from Agunloye’s defense counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), who argued that the court’s prior approval was required before the commission could amend its charge. In response, the court directed both parties to provide supporting legal authorities. The EFCC referenced the Court of Appeal’s decision in Bovoa v FRN & Anor (2017).
In Thursday’s ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie stated that the amendment was not intended to prejudice the defendant or cause any injustice. The judge emphasized that courts may allow amendments to charges or the framing of new charges at any time before a judgment is rendered.
Justice Onwuegbuzie dismissed the defense’s arguments and granted the EFCC’s application. The court ordered that Agunloye take his plea on the amended charges. The matter was adjourned to February 3, 2025, for the defendant to enter his plea.
