Former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria after appearing before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris, where he testified in connection with the $2.3 billion arbitration case filed by Sunrise Power.
The case pertains to a power generation and distribution contract awarded to Sunrise Power and Transmission Company of Nigeria in 2003 by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Buhari’s testimony was crucial in the ongoing arbitration case regarding the Mambilla Power Project.
Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential media aide, confirmed Buhari’s return on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, stating: “Former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria after defending the country before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris in connection with the $2.3 billion arbitration case filed by Sunrise Power.”
Reports suggested that Buhari had been summoned to court for allegedly breaching terms of the contract.
He was reportedly questioned for several hours on Saturday and was set to continue his testimony on Sunday at the ICC’s Court of Arbitration, in case number 26260/SPN/AB/CPB.
The Presidency, however, clarified that all individuals testifying in Nigeria’s defence are doing so voluntarily. “Everyone testifying on behalf of the country is doing so willingly,” a statement from the Presidency read.
The case remains a significant legal and financial matter for Nigeria, as it involves claims related to the Mambilla Power Project, a multi-billion-dollar power initiative aimed at addressing Nigeria’s energy needs.
