Alleged $6b Mambilla Project Fraud : EFCC Presents Fifth Witness Against Agunloye

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, June 1, 2026, presented the Fifth Prosecution Witness, PW5, in the trial of the former Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.

The former minister is facing prosecution on an amended seven-count charge, bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion United States Dollars) to Sunrise Power Transmission Company Limited.

The witness, Iliya John Iyakwari, an Assistant Director of Legal in the Federal Ministry of Justice, currently serving in the Federal Ministry of Power as an Assistant Legal Adviser since August 2014, while being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Abba Mohammed, SAN disclosed that he certified the extract of the minutes of Federal Executive Council meeting of May 21, 2003 following a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

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He narrated that sometime in June 2023, the EFCC sent a letter of request to the Ministry of Power, addressed to the Permanent Secretary, requesting the extract of the FEC meeting, held 21 May 2003.

EFCC

“The Permanent Secretary forwarded the letter to the Legal Service department, requesting the information on the letter. The legal department wrote to the department that handles such to give us the extract and they forwarded the copy of the said extract where my legal adviser asked me to certify the copy and I forwarded the certified copy of the extract using our official letterhead to the EFCC,” he said.

He was shown the letter, containing the EFCC request, marked exhibit EFCC 3J and a letter of reply marked exhibit EFCC 3K which he identified and confirmed to be true copies.

Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter till June 8, 2026 for the cross examination of the witness. Eereporter.com

FUTO Suspends Academic Activities Amid Protest Over Student’s De@th

The Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) has directed its students to proceed on a two-week vacation to enable the management to undertake fumigation and renovation of the hostels.

The university Registrar, Chiedozie Uba, issued the directive in a circular dated May 31, signed and made available to journalists in Owerri on Monday.

Mr Uba directed the students to resume academic activities on June 15.

In a similar vein, the Student Union Government (SUG) also issued a circular directing a temporary suspension of academic activities in the institution for one week.

The SUG President, Christopher Chukwuebuka, who issued the directive in a circular, explained that it became imperative to address the circumstances surrounding the recent death of a student.

Mr Chukwuebuka stated that the student’s death was linked to members of the Man O’ War unit of the university.

“This incident has sparked widespread concern and demands for justice.

“The SUG has repeatedly communicated with university management and relevant authorities through the Dean of Student Affairs regarding cases of brutality and student safety.

“Regrettably, no decisive action was taken until this tragedy occurred,” the student union leader stated.

He further explained that the suspension of academic activities aimed to demand transparency and accountability.

“This suspension will remain until management provides a detailed official statement on the incident, concrete steps for investigation and justice, and verifiable measures to prevent recurrence,” Mr Chukwuebuka stated.

He added that the union was scheduled to meet with the management to discuss the way forward to ensure that students’ protection and welfare were prioritised.

The deceased, a first-year student of Cyber Security, died from alleged torture by members of the institution’s Man O’ War on May 30 over alleged theft of N13,500.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Henry Okoye, said three suspects had been detained and investigations had commenced.

FUTO

Mr Okoye further confirmed that the deceased was critically injured following alleged restraint and severe torture by the suspects.

According to him, the deceased was declared dead at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, and had been deposited at the morgue for preservation and autopsy.

He further explained that the incident had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for comprehensive investigation, promising that justice would be served in the matter. Eereporter.com

Gwon-Ajang: Bandits Kill Seven In Fresh Plateau Attack

Bandits have attacked Gwon-Ajang village in Foron district, Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau, killing at least seven people. They raided the village on Sunday night.

Speaking with Peoples Gazette on Monday, Rwang Tengwong, spokesperson for the Berom Youths Moulder-Association, said the attack occurred around 9:30 p.m.

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“At least seven persons were reportedly killed in another armed invasion perpetrated by terrorist gangs of Fulani at about 9:30 p.m. or thereabout on 31st May, 2026 in Gwon-Ajang village of Foron District, Barkin Ladi LGA,” Mr Tengwong said.

According to him, more than 10 people were wounded in the attack.

“The Special Task Force commander who is in charge of that axis. He said it even took him by surprise because most of the attack, you will see a sign, but there was nothing like trust before the attack,” Mr Tengwong said.

Terrorists

Alfred Alabo, the police spokesman in Plateau, did not immediately return The Gazette’s request for comment.

The Sunday attack came on the heels of a recent violent attack by bandits killing eight persons in Mbwelle village, Bokko LGA and three persons killed in Nyamgo Gyel barely 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu visited the state. Eereporter.com