The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly constituted a team to examine individuals named in findings related to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, following a recent International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal ruling in Paris that largely favoured Nigeria.
According to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Premium Times, the team is being supervised by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede. The development comes shortly after the ICC tribunal dismissed major claims by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited against Nigeria concerning the 3,960-megawatt project in Taraba State.
The company had sought substantial compensation, including demands linked to a settlement sum and related interest. In its decision, the tribunal directed Sunrise and its promoter to refund a significant portion of Nigeria’s legal fees (reported around $11.8 million) and rejected key claims for payment. It also affirmed jurisdiction over certain counterclaims.
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Tribunal observations on payments and individuals
The tribunal’s findings reportedly reviewed various payments and associations involving Nigerian politicians and former public officials. Individuals mentioned in connection with these reviews include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, his then-wife Jennifer Douglas, former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami, former Power Minister Olu Agunloye, Sambo Dasuki and his son Abubakar Dasuki, Abdullahi Yola, and Dere Awosika.
For example, the tribunal examined a $500,000 payment in January 2003 from an offshore company linked to Sunrise promoter Leno Adesanya to a U.S. account belonging to Ms. Douglas.
Adesanya described it as part of a foreign-exchange transaction; the tribunal noted the explanation lacked supporting documentary evidence and that neither Atiku nor Douglas provided a supporting witness statement. The payment occurred months before the purported award of a related contract. Atiku has publicly denied any indictment by the tribunal, stated he was not responsible for awarding the contract, and challenged claims that the award constituted a corruption finding against him.
The tribunal also raised concerns (“red flags”) about other transactions, including payments described in connection with Abubakar Dasuki, and criticised aspects of former AGF Malami’s handling of related matters, describing an “inappropriate relationship” in the context of the dispute. Malami faces separate ongoing legal proceedings brought by the EFCC on unrelated money-laundering and related allegations. Agunloye is currently standing trial on charges linked to the Mambilla project.
Sources indicated the EFCC inquiry may focus on individuals and transactions highlighted in the tribunal’s review. Reports suggest possible invitations for questioning of some of those named in the coming period; this has not been independently confirmed by official EFCC statements at the time of writing.
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Background
The Mambilla project has been the subject of prolonged contractual, legal, and arbitration disputes dating back more than two decades. The recent ICC award removes a significant legal obstacle for Nigeria, as noted in official reactions.
This report is based on publicly available details of the ICC ruling, statements from involved parties, and secondary reporting (including Premium Times).
Investigations are ongoing; naming in tribunal findings or media reports does not equate to a finding of criminal liability. Readers should consult primary sources and official updates for the latest developments.
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