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.
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.
