The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in prison custody as his trial over alleged N33billion fraud continued.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case on Monday, adjourned proceedings to May 2 after a key video evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was played in open court.
The video was part of a trial-within-trial initiated to determine whether Mamman’s extra-judicial statement to the EFCC was made voluntarily.
The former minister, who served under the administration of former President, Muhammadu Buhari, is facing multiple charges bordering on money laundering and conspiracy to divert public funds.
Mamman, through his counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that his statement during the EFCC interrogation was not made voluntarily and should be excluded from the main trial.
“My client was not in the right state of health and was under duress when the statement was taken,” Atteh told the court.
However, the EFCC disagreed, maintaining that the statement was properly obtained in accordance with the law.
“The defendant was never coerced, threatened, or induced in any form. We followed due process,” said EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
Justice Omotosho, in a bid to ensure transparency and fairness, ordered that the video of Mamman’s interrogation be played in court.
In the footage played on Monday, Mamman is seen telling investigators that he could not write his statement due to ill health.
However, EFCC investigator, Abubakar Kwaido, who was present during the session, testified that the former minister was properly cautioned and understood his rights before any questioning began.
“Yes, I read the cautionary statement to him and ensured he comprehended before proceeding,” Kwaido said under cross-examination.
When asked by Oyedepo whether Mamman was threatened or intimidated into making the statement, Kwaido firmly responded, “No, my lord, there was no harassment or threat of detention.”
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until May 2, 2025, for continuation of trial, stating that the court would continue to uphold principles of justice and fairness for both the prosecution and the defence.
Mamman, who was appointed Minister of Power in 2019 and sacked in 2021, is alleged to have conspired with others to embezzle over N33 billion meant for power sector projects, including the Mambilla Hydropower Project and various electrification schemes.
