Nigeria’s Staunch Defense at the ICC: Obasanjo and Buhari Testify Against Sunrise Power’s Claims



In a significant legal battle at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Court of Arbitration in Paris, former Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari took the stand to defend Nigeria against a $2.3 billion claim filed by Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited. The case, initiated by Sunrise and its founder, Chief Leno Adesanya, revolves around allegations of a breached $6 billion contract for the Mambilla Power Project in Taraba State.

Obasanjo and Buhari categorically denied the existence of any valid contract between the Federal Government and Sunrise Power. They asserted that the 2003 agreement, which the company’s claims are based on, was invalid. According to their testimonies, the purported contract was linked to a letter signed by a former Minister of Power, Dr. Olu Agunloye, just a day after the Federal Executive Council had rejected the award to Sunrise Power.

Dr. Agunloye is currently under trial in Abuja for forgery, corruption, and disobedience of a presidential order regarding the power project. He, however, alleges that the government is scapegoating him to portray systemic corruption to the arbitration panel and weaken Sunrise’s claims.

Collaborative Effort to Protect Nigeria’s Interests

The testimonies of the former presidents were bolstered by statements from high-ranking officials, including current Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), his predecessor, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and former ministers Babatunde Raji Fashola (Power) and Suleiman Adamu (Water Resources).

A source at the proceedings highlighted the strategic importance of securing the presence of Obasanjo and Buhari at the hearing. Both leaders, renowned for their forthrightness, strongly contested Sunrise’s claims, labeling them as fraudulent attempts to extract settlement funds from Nigeria.

The Case’s Broader Implications

The week-long arbitration hearing, which concluded on January 23, 2025, marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s legal battle over the Mambilla Power Project. With a project of such magnitude—intended to produce 3,960 megawatts of electricity—the stakes are high for both the government and Sunrise Power.

This case also underscores broader concerns about transparency, governance, and the challenges of executing large-scale infrastructure projects in Nigeria. As the arbitration process continues, all eyes remain on the ICC’s ruling, which could set a precedent for future disputes involving government contracts.

This ongoing saga serves as a reminder of the need for due diligence, accountability, and robust legal frameworks in handling international agreements and mega-projects.


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