The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power, pending further hearings in his ongoing trial over alleged embezzlement of N33 billion in public funds. Justice James Omotosho issued the remand order on Monday after the court viewed a critical video submitted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with the case.
Mamman, who held the ministerial post under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, stands accused of money laundering and collaborating with others to misappropriate funds earmarked for major power sector projects, including the high-profile Mambilla Hydropower Project and multiple rural electrification initiatives.
Court Screens Video Evidence Amid Trial-Within-Trial
At Monday’s proceedings, the court entered a trial-within-trial phase to determine whether Mamman’s statement to the EFCC was obtained without coercion. This special procedure is typically used when the defense challenges the validity of confessions or testimonies taken during interrogations.
Mamman’s legal representative, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Atteh, argued that his client made the statement under duress while in poor health. “He was not in a fit condition and was pressured during questioning,” Atteh claimed, urging the court to disregard the confession as inadmissible.
However, the prosecution, led by EFCC’s senior counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), insisted that Mamman made the statement willingly and in full awareness of his legal rights. “At no point was the defendant coerced or intimidated,” Oyedepo stated. “The process followed every legal guideline.”
EFCC Investigator Testifies on Interrogation Procedure
To support its position, the EFCC presented a video recording of Mamman’s interrogation. In the footage played before the court, Mamman is seen explaining to investigators that he was unable to physically write his statement because of health concerns. Nevertheless, the EFCC asserted that he was properly informed of his rights before the questioning session began.
EFCC operative Abubakar Kwaido, who participated in the interrogation, took the witness stand and testified that all procedures were followed to ensure the legality of the process. “I personally read the cautionary words to him and made sure he understood what they meant,” Kwaido said while being cross-examined.
When Oyedepo asked whether Mamman had faced any intimidation or threats during the process, Kwaido firmly replied, “No, my lord, there was no pressure or mistreatment of any kind.”
Justice Omotosho acknowledged the arguments from both sides and confirmed that the court would review the matter thoroughly before deciding on the admissibility of the contested statement. He adjourned the hearing to May 2, 2025, and reaffirmed the court’s obligation to uphold justice and impartiality.
Allegations of Embezzlement in Power Sector Projects
The EFCC has accused Mamman of conspiring with others to misappropriate over N33 billion during his tenure as Power Minister. Investigators allege that the funds, which were intended for critical infrastructure developments, including the long-delayed Mambilla Hydropower Project, were funneled through questionable transactions and diverted for personal gain.
The Mambilla project, a massive hydroelectric power venture located in Taraba State, has long been considered vital to Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity. However, progress on the project has been repeatedly stalled due to bureaucratic delays, funding shortfalls, and now, allegations of corruption.
In addition to the Mambilla initiative, the funds in question were also supposed to finance rural electrification schemes designed to improve access to electricity in underdeveloped communities across Nigeria.
Mamman, who was appointed to the federal cabinet in 2019 but dismissed from his position in 2021, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He maintains that his statements to the EFCC were made involuntarily and under medical and psychological strain. His legal team has vowed to contest the allegations vigorously and challenge any evidence they deem improperly obtained.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This high-profile case underscores the federal government’s ongoing efforts to crack down on alleged corruption within the public sector. The EFCC has ramped up prosecutions in recent years, targeting former officials suspected of financial misconduct, particularly in sectors like power, oil, and infrastructure.
Legal analysts believe that the outcome of Mamman’s trial could have significant ramifications for future anti-corruption cases involving public office holders. If the court rules the statement inadmissible, it could affect the strength of the prosecution’s case. However, if the evidence is accepted, Mamman may face a lengthy legal battle with potential implications for his legacy and reputation.
The court will resume proceedings on May 2, 2025, to continue the trial and issue a ruling on whether Mamman’s statement will remain part of the evidentiary record. Until then, the former minister remains in custody, awaiting further judicial action.
