$6 Billion Mambilla Contract: Former Minister Liyel Imoke Testifies in Case Against Agunloye

Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke has testified in legal proceedings against former Minister of Power Olu Agunloye regarding the contentious $6 billion Mambilla hydroelectric power contract, according to a report by Premium Times Nigeria. The appearance brings fresh scrutiny to historical procurement decisions made during the civilian presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.

A Key Ministerial Transition

The timeline of leadership at the Federal Ministry of Power lies at the center of the matter. According to the report from Premium Times Nigeria, Imoke succeeded Agunloye as Nigeria’s minister of power in July 2003. He retained the portfolio through January 2007, serving across a significant portion of Obasanjo’s second presidential term.

Because Imoke assumed administrative responsibility for the ministry immediately following Agunloye’s departure, his testimony represents direct ministerial succession evidence regarding how official files, contractual commitments, and policy directives were handled at the time.

The Scrutiny Surrounding Mambilla

The Mambilla hydroelectric project has long been envisioned as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national power strategy, intended to harness water resources to generate thousands of megawatts for the electric grid. Despite its strategic significance, the project has been entangled for decades in institutional delays, arbitration challenges, and recurring questions over contracting terms valued in the billions of dollars.

The current legal examination centers on the execution and oversight of the $6 billion contract handled during that era. While large infrastructure initiatives routinely span multiple administrations, the contracts associated with Mambilla have remained under intense domestic and legal review due to persistent project stagnation and fiscal liabilities.

Missing Details in Early Reporting

The initial report published by Premium Times Nigeria established the court appearance and the historical timeline of both former officials, but it did not provide an exhaustive transcript of Imoke’s statements from the witness box. Crucial details remain undisclosed in the initial summary, including:

• The specific documentary exhibits or directives presented during the examination;
• The immediate responses and counter-arguments entered by Agunloye’s legal defense team;
• The explicit statutory charges under review before the presiding judge;
• The scheduled timeline for subsequent witness appearances or court adjournments.

Without full judicial transcripts, the complete scope of Imoke’s claims regarding the contract’s execution remains to be detailed as further reporting emerges.

Broader Implications for Public Procurement

The court proceedings underscore the enduring reach of accountability measures concerning major public utility projects in Nigeria. High-value infrastructure negotiations conducted decades ago continue to face judicial re-examination, highlighting the legal and regulatory risks tied to multi-billion-dollar sovereign power contracts. Observers and energy sector stakeholders await further disclosures as the trial continues.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Premium Times Nigeria

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