The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on Thursday adjourned the alleged N33.8 billion money-laundering case filed against former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to April 23 for the adoption of final written addresses.
The matter, which was scheduled for the parties to adopt their written addresses on April 16 before Justice James Omotosho, could not proceed because the defence was unable to file its documents.
When the case was called for hearing, Femi Atteh, SAN, who appeared for Mr Mamman, informed the court that he had a motion seeking an extension of time to file their written address.
He said the motion, dated March 31, was filed on April 1.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, did not oppose the application.
Mr Oyedepo, however, sought an order deeming the prosecution’s final written address properly filed and served, and the judge granted it.
Mr Atteh, who said the EFCC served him with its process two days ago, sought an adjournment to study it and respond accordingly.
Mr Omotosho then adjourned the matter until April 23 for parties to adopt their final written addresses.
Mr Mamman was appointed minister by the late former President Buhari in August 2019 and was sacked in September 2021.
The EFCC, in the charge marked ‘FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024’, had preferred a 12-count amended charge against the ex-minister as the sole defendant.
In July 2024, the commission arraigned Mr Mamman on charges of money laundering and conspiracy with officials at the ministry and some private companies to “indirectly convert” the sum of N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
The former minister, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The anti-graft agency, in proving its case, called 17 prosecution witnesses (PWs) and tendered 43 exhibits against the defendant before closing its case.
However, Mr Mamman, through his lawyer, filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025.
The former minister, who formulated one issue for determination, said the prosecution failed to present credible and reliable evidence before the court to sustain a conviction against him or for him to enter his defence.
Delivering the ruling on December 11, 2025, the judge dismissed Mr Mamman’s no-case submission on the ground that the EFCC had been able to establish a prima facie case against him.
Mr Omotosho held that the evidence tendered was such that the defendant must proffer some explanations or put in a defence to the allegations made against him, especially considering the seriousness of the offences.
The judge, however, said that Mr Mamman was still innocent until proven guilty.
(NAN)
