The trial involving the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project has been postponed for about three months after the defence challenged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged procedural lapses.
The case came up before Court 30 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, where the prosecution sought permission to present fresh evidence and call an additional witness.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Abba Mohammed (SAN) informed the court that an 11th proof of evidence had been filed. The new document reportedly included a letter said to have been written by Sunrise and Company to the then Minister of Power, Liyel Imoke, in August 2003 regarding the implementation of the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The prosecution also requested to call former Minister of Power, Liyel Imoke, as its sixth witness.
However, defence counsel Adeola Adedipe (SAN) opposed the application, arguing that the prosecution failed to follow the required legal procedures. He told the court that the fresh proof of evidence was only served on the defence on Monday morning, shortly before the hearing commenced, describing the move as unfair and prejudicial.
Adedipe further argued that the prosecution did not comply with the provisions of Section 379 of the Evidence Act, which requires a summary of each proposed witness’s testimony to be provided alongside the witness list.
The defence maintained that the prosecution had merely submitted documentary exhibits without providing the legally required synopsis of the witness’s expected evidence.
In response, the prosecution insisted it had acted within the law, noting that Liyel Imoke had been listed as one of its witnesses since September 2023, and urged the court to allow the trial to continue.
After considering the arguments from both sides, the trial judge upheld the defence’s objection and directed the prosecution to properly regularise its processes before proceeding with the case.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until October 19, 2026, for the continuation of trial, with additional hearing dates scheduled for November 2, 4, 9, and 11, 2026.
The ruling means proceedings in the high-profile Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project case will remain suspended for approximately three months while the prosecution addresses the procedural issues identified by the court.
