Former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye, has regained freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre after fulfilling his bail conditions.

Agunloye, who was detained over a $6 billion Mambilla hydropower contract scandal, was granted bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja. He spent time in Kuje pending the finalisation of his bail conditions.

Agunloye’s release was confirmed by Adamu Duza, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He stated, “Agunloye has been released from the prison after meeting his bail condition. He was released this evening around 5:30 pm.”

The release followed a Federal High Court in Abuja’s decision to remand Agunloye in Kuje Custodial Centre over a $6 billion Mambilla hydropower contract.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against Agunloye, accusing him of illegal awarding of the contract during his tenure as Minister of Power and Steel.

Agunloye had pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court ordered his remand in Kuje Custodial Centre pending the decision on his bail application.

The EFCC had declared him wanted in connection with the Mambilla hydropower project, alleging irregularities in the awarding of the contract and corrupt practices.