EFCC Chairman Reveals 2024 Intervention Against Substandard Power Contract
Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how the anti-graft agency intervened decisively in 2024 to halt a contractor mobilized by the Federal Ministry of Power from executing a critical national infrastructure project using counterfeit and dangerously substandard transmission lines. The revelation came during a high-level meeting at the EFCC corporate headquarters in Abuja, where Olukoyede hosted the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (MEMSA), Olusegun Adesayo.
Preventing National Catastrophe Through Vigilance
According to Chairman Olukoyede, the commission conducted a thorough investigation into the contractor's activities after receiving intelligence reports. The investigation conclusively proved that the contractor had imported fake power transmission lines intended for a major national grid project. "In 2024, we had cause to write to the Ministry of Power to blacklist a contractor when we investigated and confirmed that he imported fake and substandard power transmission lines for the execution of a contract given to him," Olukoyede stated emphatically.
The EFCC boss emphasized that this timely intervention potentially saved the nation from what could have developed into a major disaster, preventing possible loss of lives and protecting valuable national assets. He further assured the MEMSA delegation of EFCC's unwavering commitment to collaborate with the agency to enhance electricity supply reliability and safety standards across Nigeria's power sector.
MEMSA Seeks Stronger Anti-Corruption Partnership
Earlier in the meeting, MEMSA's Managing Director Olusegun Adesayo explained that his visit aimed to forge a strategic collaboration with the EFCC to ensure rigorous safety standards within Nigeria's electricity industry. Adesayo highlighted his agency's dedication to transparency and accountability, assuring Olukoyede of ongoing internal reforms within MEMSA designed to improve probity and align with the federal government's comprehensive anti-corruption agenda.
Parallel Court Proceedings Advance in N31 Billion Fraud Case
In a related development, a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has admitted additional documentary evidence in the ongoing high-profile trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who faces allegations of fraud amounting to N31,070,541,349.64. Justice Maryann Anenih accepted a comprehensive set of financial documents tendered by EFCC prosecutors as part of their case against Mamman and seven co-defendants.
Bank Officials Provide Crucial Financial Evidence
The defendants are confronting a nine-count charge that includes serious allegations of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and intent to defraud the Nigerian government. During the resumed hearing, the second prosecution witness, Leadu Kpandei, a compliance officer with Guaranty Trust Bank, testified before the court. Kpandei revealed that the EFCC had formally requested detailed account information for Fullest Utility Concept Ltd in March 2025, to which the bank responded by providing complete account opening documents, identification records, and comprehensive statements of account.
Previously, the first prosecution witness, Umar Abba, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, concluded his cross-examination. Abba testified that he personally generated the defendants' account statements directly from the bank's secure systems, verified their authenticity, and signed them before officially forwarding the critical financial records to the EFCC for their investigation.
Legal Proceedings Continue with Multiple Adjournments
During the court proceedings, defence counsel Suleiman Mohammed brought to Justice Anenih's attention a pending application filed on March 9, 2026. The judge indicated she would carefully review the application and subsequently adjourned the complex case to three separate dates: April 16, May 11, and June 4, 2026, for continuation of the trial. These legal developments underscore the Nigerian judiciary's methodical approach to handling substantial corruption cases involving former government officials and their associates.
