Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Former Nigerian Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has filed a motion to challenge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission's (EFCC)'s powers to prosecute him for alleged $6 billion in contract fraud. The EFCC alleged that Agunloye illegally awarded a contract for the construction of a 3,960 MW Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station without any budgetary provision, approval, or cash backing. Agunloye was also alleged to have corruptly received a kickback of N3.6 million from the company he awarded the contract to. The defendant, who also served as a Minister of State for Defence, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge against him. At the resumed proceedings, the 76-year-old defendant queried the EFCC's powers to try him over the alleged offenses, arguing that the agency was bereft of both the investigative and prosecutorial powers under Sections 6, 7, and 46 of the EFCC Act, 2004 to initiate the case against him.

Justice Peter Kekemeke of the FCT High Court granted the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) permission to take over the prosecution of Professor Mike Ozekhome SAN, who faces fraud charges by the ICPC. During the court proceedings, it was stated that the AGF's decision to assume the case was aligned with Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution and aimed at enhancing the prosecution's effectiveness and ensuring fairness in the criminal justice system. The DPPF assured the court that Ozekhome's rights would be protected. The court was informed of the charges against Ozekhome, including receiving property linked to alleged fraud and using a false document to claim ownership. The case was adjourned to February 24 for arraignment.