The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a new investigation into the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. This development follows an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal's findings on a $500,000 payment made by project promoter Leno Adesanya to Jennifer Douglas, the former wife of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar. The ICC tribunal raised concerns over the payment, citing its timing and Adesanya's relationship with Atiku.
According to the ICC tribunal, the $500,000 payment was made in January 2003 from Adesanya's company, China Castle Investments Limited's Swiss account, to Douglas's account in the United States. The tribunal characterized the circumstances surrounding the payment as raising "significant red flags". This payment has become a focal point in the EFCC's investigation into the Mambilla project, a 3,960-megawatt power project in Taraba State.
The EFCC has constituted a special team, supervised by its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to examine the financial transactions and relationships disclosed in the ICC proceedings. The team is tracing properties suspected to be connected to funds arising from the transactions. A senior EFCC source confirmed that the process is underway, with investigators reviewing the 620-page final award and evidence that led to the tribunal's decision.
The payment to Douglas is attracting attention due to its timing, made just months before Olu Agunloye, then Minister of Power and Steel, purportedly awarded Sunrise Power a Build-Operate-Transfer contract for the Mambilla project. The tribunal examined the payment in the context of Adesanya's relationship with Atiku and his efforts to secure the project. Atiku has rejected any suggestion that he was indicted by the tribunal, maintaining that he was not responsible for awarding the Mambilla contract.
The EFCC's investigation will also look into a $1.74 million payment made by Adesanya to Abubakar Dasuki, son of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, in December 2014. Adesanya described the money as a loan, but the tribunal questioned this explanation, noting the absence of a loan agreement or documentation establishing the transaction's nature and terms.
Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, is another prominent figure whose dealings are expected to attract the attention of investigators. Malami featured prominently in the tribunal's consideration of a 2020 settlement agreement between Nigeria and Sunrise. The tribunal examined his dealings with Adesanya and the circumstances surrounding the settlement.
The EFCC's probe into the Mambilla project also involves examining the roles of other former officials, including Agunloye, Sambo Dasuki, Yola, and Awosika. Agunloye is already facing separate criminal proceedings in Nigeria arising from the Mambilla project. The EFCC is considering questioning suspects and possible forfeiture of assets connected to the transactions under scrutiny.
Key points
- The EFCC is investigating a $500,000 payment made by Leno Adesanya to Jennifer Douglas, former wife of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
- The ICC tribunal raised concerns over the payment's timing and Adesanya's relationship with Atiku.
- The EFCC's probe also involves examining a $1.74 million payment made by Adesanya to Abubakar Dasuki, son of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.
