Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has narrated how he was compelled to give a statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under excruciating health conditions, during its investigation into alleged money laundering tied to the Mambilla Hydropower Project.
Naija News understands that Mamman is currently facing a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The charges were filed by the EFCC, accusing him of mismanaging funds in connection with contracts awarded under his tenure.
During a trial-within-trial session on Friday, Mamman, led in evidence by his counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), told the court that he had visited the EFCC office on February 20 in the company of his lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed of Pineal Solicitors, due to his ailing health.
He explained that he was in no condition to personally write his statement and therefore instructed his lawyer to do so on his behalf.
“When I reported to the EFCC that day, I went to the desk of one of the investigators called Shehu. I complained about my health condition and even presented a medical report, pleading for a week’s adjournment, but he refused,” Mamman stated.
He further alleged that Shehu told him bluntly, “You are the target of this investigation.”
Under cross-examination by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mamman maintained that he could not recall all the details of the interaction due to his condition at the time. He said he was unsure whether his lawyer had written exactly what he had dictated.
Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, overruled EFCC’s objection against replaying a video clip where Mamman was seen complaining to the commission about his health.
Atteh introduced the video to counter claims made by the prosecution witness, Abubakar Kwaido, who had told the court that the defendant never mentioned any health concerns.
The defence also tendered a medical report dated January 16, 2024, to support Mamman’s claim that he was unwell and unfit to provide a formal statement to investigators.
In a parallel development, the EFCC has filed fresh criminal charges against Mamman and seven others before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, accusing them of involvement in an alleged N31 billion advance fee fraud scheme.
Those listed in the new charge (FCT/CR/375/2025) include Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi (Director, Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Power), Ben Nsikak (Director of Federal Projects), Stephen Ojo (Director, Accounts and Financial Management), Oladipo Adebowale, and Ogunjobi Olusola.
Justice Omotosho has adjourned the case to July 15 for the adoption of final written addresses in the trial-within-trial proceedings.
Meanwhile, the prosecution has closed its case in the ongoing trial-within-trial, with the defence expected to open on the next adjourned date.
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