Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) permission to amend the charges against former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, in the ongoing trial over the alleged $6 billion Mambilla Power Project fraud.

Agunloye faces seven counts related to corruption and the fraudulent awarding of the Mambilla Power Project contract. The EFCC had sought to amend the charges to allow Agunloye to take his plea.

During proceedings on Thursday, Prosecution Counsel, Abba Mohammed (SAN), drew the court's attention to the amended charges, urging the court to accept them and require the defendant to take his plea. Mohammed referenced Sections 216 and 217 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, in support of the request.

However, Agunloye’s defense counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), objected, arguing that the EFCC needed formal leave from the court before amending the charges. In response, Justice Onwuegbuzie instructed both parties to present legal authorities supporting their positions. The EFCC cited the Court of Appeal’s ruling in Bovoa v FRN & Anor (2017).

In his ruling, Justice Onwuegbuzie emphasized that the purpose of the amendment was not to unfairly disadvantage the defendant. He noted that courts can allow amendments or alterations to charges before the final judgment, as long as it does not cause injustice.

The judge rejected the defense's argument and granted the EFCC's application to amend the charges. Agunloye was subsequently ordered to take his plea on the revised charges.

The case was adjourned to February 3, 2025, for Agunloye to enter his plea on the amended charges.

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