ICC Tribunal Criticises Malami Over Mambilla Hydropower Settlement

 An International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal has criticised former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, over his handling of the Federal Government’s dispute with Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited concerning the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

 The tribunal found that Malami had acted against Nigeria’s interests in connection with settlement arrangements involving Leno Adesanya, the promoter of Sunrise Power. It also concluded that the settlement agreement was unenforceable, finding that it was tainted by corruption and contrary to Nigerian public policy.

 The dispute centred on claims arising from the long-running Mambilla power project controversy. The tribunal ultimately rejected Sunrise Power’s claims against Nigeria and ordered the company and Adesanya to reimburse the Federal Government $11.82 million in legal fees and $414,125 in arbitration costs.

 Malami has rejected the tribunal’s characterisation of his conduct. He argued that the settlement discussions were part of government efforts to resolve a longstanding dispute and facilitate the implementation and financing of the Mambilla project. He also maintained that the tribunal’s findings should not be treated as a criminal conviction.

 The controversy has renewed scrutiny of the handling of major government contracts and arbitration proceedings, particularly where public funds and strategic infrastructure projects are involved.