Nigeria, March 19 -- The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, dismissed a suit filed by a former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Ogunloye, alleging abuse of his fundamental rights and seeking to be shielded from investigation and prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The judge, Obiora Egwuatu, dismissed suit for lacking in merit and awarded a cost of N500,000 against him and in favour of the EFCC, the commission said in a statement capturing the court's judgement on Monday.

Mr Agunloye, 75, had, in the suit, sought an order of court against his invitation, interrogation and prosecution by the EFCC in connection with the alleged award of the controversial $6 billion hydropower contract in 2003 to Sunrise...