Michael Aondoakaa, the former Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice has agreed to testify against Nigeria in an ongoing arbitration case at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, France.
The case involves a substantial $2.354 billion claim initiated by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, spearheaded by businessman Leno Adesanya, over an alleged breach of contract related to constructing a 3,050MW power plant in Mambilla, Taraba State.
The dispute traces back to a 2003 agreement under which Sunrise Power was contracted to construct the Mambilla power plant on a “build, operate, and transfer” (BOT) basis.
The company initiated arbitration proceedings against Nigeria on October 10, 2017, claiming significant financial damages due to the alleged breach of this contract.
The Nigerian government, however, contends that the then-Minister of Power, Olu Agunloye, exceeded his authority in awarding the contract.
The government also alleges fraud and corruption in the contract award and subsequent settlement agreements.
Agunloye, now on trial in Nigeria, has denied all allegations against him.
The Cable reports that Aondoakaa, who served as AGF from July 2007 to February 2010, has now joined forces with Sunrise Power.
Leveraging his legal expertise and experience, the report revealed that Aondoakaa is set to argue that the original contract with Sunrise Power was valid. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to bolster Sunrise’s position in the arbitration.
An associate close to Aondoakaa revealed that the former minister is actively collaborating with Adesanya’s legal team in both the arbitration and related Nigerian legal matters.
Aondoakaa’s testimony is expected to counter that of several Nigerian government officials, including ministers from President Buhari’s administration, who are advocating for Nigeria’s defense.