A prosecution witness, Umar Babangida, told the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Apo, on Wednesday that former President Olusegun Obasanjo asked s former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr. Olu Agunloye, to add N11 billion to the N6 billion appropriated in the 2003 budget for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power project.
The witness, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) and investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stated this during his continued cross examination by counsel for the former minister, Adeola Adedipe (SAN).
The EFCC arraigned Agunloye on an amended seven-count charge of fraud.
The commission accused the ex- minister of disobeying presidential directive, conspiracy, forgery and receiving gratification.
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The EFCC alleged that the ex-minister conspired with Leno Adesayan of SPTCL to forge a letter titled: “Construction of 3,960MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station on a build, operate and transfer.” basis.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The witness told the court that it took about 23 years from the feasibility studies for the project in 1981 to 2003 when it was eventually awarded.
He, added that seven companies which indicated interest in the construction of the power project were screened for the purpose.
Babangida said Obasanjo’s utmost desire was to kick-start the project.
He added that the former President held a private meeting with Agunloye on the night of May 20, 2003.
The witness said: “EFCC investigation revealed that a private meeting was held a night before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of May 21, 2003.
” The former President directed that Agunloye should add N11 billion to the already appropriated N6 billion in the 2003 budget for the take-off of the Mambilla project.
“Yes, my Lord. The former President mentioned it at the Federal Executive Council meeting.
“However, the details of the discussion of the previous day was not fully given by the former President.”
He added that the Federal Government could have paid the sum of $1.5 billion as its 25 percent equity participation in the $6 billion power project on the basis of build, operate and transfer basis.
Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie adjourned case till February 2 for further cross examination of the witness.
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