Malami denies corruption in Mambilla project, cites Buhari's rejection of settlement offers

Former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami rejects ICC tribunal findings alleging corruption in the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project settlement, insisting the 616-page award must be evaluated alongside the complete evidentiary record. He explains the project dispute originated in 2003 predating his tenure, with his 2016 involvement following a presidential directive to resolve outstanding issues. Malami details negotiations: Sunrise Power proposed a $500 million settlement during London talks in November 2019, to which the Federal Government responded with a $100 million offer, later considering $200 million. He states former President Muhammadu Buhari did not approve the $200 million settlement, communicating this rejection to Sunrise in April 2020 and again in January 2021 with the words 'Not approved.' Malami says he subsequently instructed government lawyers to resist Sunrise's attempt to enforce settlement terms against Nigeria. He denies ever being promised personal financial benefit from Sunrise Power and notes that while promoter Leno Adesanya claimed to possess relevant audio and video recordings, none were produced before the tribunal. Malami emphasizes the arbitration was a commercial proceeding, not a criminal trial, and welcomes the tribunal's rejection of Sunrise Power's claims against Nigeria as an outcome that protected the country from substantial financial exposure.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/22/mambilla-malami-breaks-silence-over-icc-tribunals-findings/