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Olu Agunloye
Justice Jude Onwueguzie of the Federal High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja on Monday, dismissed a motion raised by former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye challenging the powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to prosecute him.
Agunloye is facing trial for an alleged fraudulent award of contract of the Mambilla project to the tune of $6billion.
At the last adjournment, the former minister, through his lawyer, Adeola Adedipe SAN filed a motion arguing that the EFCC lacked both investigative and prosecutorial powers to prosecute him on the charges preferred against him.
At Monday’s’ sitting, Justice Onwueguzie ruled that the basis for the application was not necessary as the court was not a novice and the friends of the court were not parties in the matter.
He also said that the law was clear on matters to be prosecuted by the EFCC, citing Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“I have studied the issues to be considered in this matter by the defendant whether the motion ought to be charged by the EFCC. It is eminent to note that the learned counsels in this case before the court are seasoned counsels, issues of such should not arise.
After dismissing the motion, Justice Onwueguzie adjourned the matter to April 22, 2024 for hearing of preliminary motion.
