Rita Odafe
A former Minister of Power in Naija, Mr. Saleh Mamman, who was in custody due to an alleged N33 billion fraud, was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 12. Justice James Omotosho ruled in favor of Mamman, who faces a 12-count charge, granting him bail worth N10 billion along with two sureties of the same amount.
The court specified that the sureties must own properties in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, valued at a minimum of N750 million. They were also required to provide a three-year tax clearance certificate, an affidavit of means, certified bank statements, and recent passport photographs. Additionally, Mamman was instructed to surrender his international passport to the court registrar, who would verify all documents before his release.
If unable to provide landed properties, the sureties could submit a bank guarantee or bond for N10 billion. Mamman will remain in custody until all bail conditions are met, with the case adjourned until September 25 for further proceedings.
Having pleaded not guilty to the charges presented by the EFCC, Mamman’s defense team, led by Mr. Femi Ate, SAN, emphasized his compliance with administrative bail conditions over the past two years. Citing constitutional provisions and criminal justice acts, they sought bail based on his availability for trial and credible sureties.
While the EFCC did not oppose bail, they proposed conditions ensuring Mamman’s presence at trial. Notably, Mamman, who had served in President Buhari’s administration, was implicated in diverting N22 billion from power projects for personal gain, leading to his arrest in 2021 after being relieved of his ministerial duties.
The EFCC’s investigation alleged misappropriation of funds for hydroelectric projects and the acquisition of valuable assets both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Mamman collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday amidst the legal proceedings.
