Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has been released from the Kuje Correctional Centre upon fulfilling his bail conditions, according to infomation gathered.
Agunloye’s release was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Duza stated, “Agunloye has been released from the prison after meeting his bail condition. He was released this evening around 5:30 pm.”
The release follows a Federal High Court in Abuja ordering Agunloye’s remand in Kuje Custodial Centre in connection with a $6 billion Mambilla hydropower contract. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had brought charges against him, accusing him of illegally awarding the contract during his tenure as a minister between 1999 and 2003.
Agunloye, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, was remanded in Kuje custodial centre pending the decision on his bail application. The EFCC declared him wanted for his alleged involvement in the Mambilla hydropower project, accusing him of awarding a contract without budgetary provision, approval, or cash backing. The project, initiated in 2003, has faced legal disputes and corruption allegations.
It’s noteworthy that Agunloye had also served as a Minister of State for Defence.
