Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman is remanded to Kuje prison by an Abuja court on charges of laundering N33.8 billion. Despite collapsing due to ill health, Mamman pled not guilty, and his bail hearing is set for Friday. Charges involve funds for power projects.
A former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been remanded to Kuje Correctional Facility by an Abuja federal high court while awaiting the hearing of his bail application. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Mamman on Thursday on charges of laundering N33.8 billion. Mamman denied the charges.
EFCC counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika requested a trial date following Mamman's plea. Mamman's lawyer, Femi Ate, confirmed a bail application was submitted. Olumide-Fusika acknowledged receiving the application around 12:30 pm that day. The defense then asked for a next-day hearing for the bail application, which the EFCC did not contest.
Judge James Omotosho set the bail hearing for Friday. Before proceedings, Mamman collapsed outside the courtroom. His lawyer explained that this was due to medication taken without food, which caused a drop in blood pressure. Mamman, partially drenched from being revived with water, entered the courtroom and confirmed he was fit to proceed.
Despite his condition, Mamman stated he could take his plea. The judge, after confirming Mamman’s fitness, remanded him and adjourned the bail application hearing to the following day.
Mamman, appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2019 and dismissed in September 2021, was arrested in May 2023 by the EFCC over allegations of N22 billion fraud. The EFCC alleges Mamman collaborated with ministry officials and private firms to misappropriate N33.8 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. Additionally, Mamman is accused of making an illicit cash payment of $655,700 with Samson Bitrus's assistance, circumventing financial institutions.
The case will resume with the bail application hearing on Friday.
