Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, has rejected findings by an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration tribunal concerning an alleged corrupt arrangement linked to the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.

The tribunal, in its final award delivered in Paris, found that Malami and Leno Adesanya, promoter of Sunrise Power and Transmission Company Limited, entered into what it described as a corrupt deal concerning a settlement agreement with the Federal Government.

It also said Malami acted against Nigeria’s interests in his handling of the matter. The dispute is connected to Sunrise Power’s claims arising from the development of the Mambilla project in Taraba State.

The company had sought $680 million in one claim, while a related arbitration involved claims exceeding $2.7 billion in compensation and interest.

The tribunal rejected Sunrise’s claims against Nigeria and held that a 2020 settlement agreement and its subsequent addendum were not binding on the Federal Government because they lacked the required presidential approval.

It further held that the agreements were unenforceable on grounds of corruption and violation of Nigerian public policy. The ruling has been welcomed by the Federal Government as a major legal victory, with President Bola Tinubu saying it removes a significant legal obstacle that had delayed the Mambilla power project for years.

The tribunal also ordered Sunrise and its promoter to reimburse Nigeria about $11.8 million in legal fees. Malami, however, has rejected the findings against him, disputing the tribunal’s characterisation of his actions and the alleged bribery arrangement.