ICC tribunal rejects Sunrise Power's $680m Nigeria claim, finds Malami-Adesanya corrupt deal
ICC tribunal rejected Sunrise Power's $680 million claim against Nigeria over the Mambilla Hydroelectric Project in Taraba State, ordering the company to refund $11.8 million in Nigeria's legal fees. The tribunal found former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami attempted to deceive ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and engaged in corrupt deals with Sunrise promoter Leno Adesanya regarding a disputed $200 million settlement agreement signed January 2, 2020.
Evidence showed Malami and Adesanya coordinated via WhatsApp after a March 25, 2020 addendum doubled potential liability to $400 million. Adesanya testified that during conversations with Malami and former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, he heard them suggest Nigeria would pay half the settlement upfront and release the remainder after he 'did what is needed'—implying a bribe solicitation. Crucially, Buhari repeatedly rejected the agreements, noting in an April 20, 2020 handwritten note that 'FG hasn’t got USD 200m to pay.'
Since the agreements lacked required presidential approval and were products of corruption violating Nigerian public policy, the tribunal declared them unenforceable. Nigeria avoids potential $400 million liability while exposing how high-level officials attempted to bypass safeguards.
What checks should citizens demand to prevent future deals from proceeding without proper approval and transparency, especially when officials push questionable financial commitments?