Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, FCT, sitting in Apo, Abuja, has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to amend charges against former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, and ordered him to take his plea.
Agunloye faces a seven-count charge from the EFCC, alleging official corruption and the fraudulent award of the $6 billion Mambilla Power Project contract.
During the July 1, 2024 proceedings, EFCC's Prosecution Counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), requested the court to accept the amended charges and mandate the defendant to enter a plea, citing Sections 216 and 217 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
However, Agunloye’s defense counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), opposed the motion, arguing that the EFCC must formally seek the court’s permission before amending charges.
In Thursday’s ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie dismissed the defense’s objections, referencing the Court of Appeal decision in Bovoa v. FRN & Anor (2017). The judge clarified that the amendment was not designed to disadvantage the defendant but to ensure justice.
“The arguments of the learned counsel to the defendant are hereby discounted." I hold that the application is liable to succeed. Accordingly, the application is granted as prayed, and the defendant is ordered to take his plea on the amended charge,” Justice Onwuegbuzie ruled.
The court adjourned the case to February 3, 2025, for Agunloye to take his plea on the amended charges.
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