Court Moves to Deliver Judgment as Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman Absent in ₦33.8bn Money Laundering Case

(Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman. Photo by businesssday)
Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman was curiously absent from court on Thursday, as the Federal High Court in Abuja was poised to rule on the alleged N33. 8 billion money laundering case.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the verdict for today after all parties in the case were served with hearing notices.

However, when the case was heard, the former minister was not there.

Mohammed Ahmed, the lawyer who appeared for Mamman, said the court that, despite receiving notice that the case would be heard, the defence had been unable to contact him.

"My Lord, the defendant is not present in court." We received a message saying that the matter is for judgment and it was delivered on Tuesday.

"Since then, we've been attempting to contact him (Mamman), but all efforts have failed.

"But yesterday, one of his associates informed us that he is indisposed," Ahmed stated.

When the judge inquired whether there was a medical report regarding Mamman's illness, the lawyer responded negatively.

Responding, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, counsel for the EFCC, informed the court that the prosecution had likewise got notice of the hearing and that the decision will be given today.

He also stated that the defence lawyer acknowledged their knowledge of the procedure.

Oyedepo, who is also the Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, however, stated that there was no evidence to substantiate Ahmed's statement that Mamman was indisposed, and that there was no solid cause was given by the lawyer.

According to the prosecution lawyer, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the court has the discretion to carry out the sentence.

"And we are aware that the defendant has been on bail," he replied.

He did, however, advise that the court pause the proceedings to find out where Mamman was and then rejoin for the ruling later.

But Ahmed stated that they had been unable to locate their customer.

"All efforts to get in contact with him have proved abortive," he stated.

The lawyer, who requested an adjournment, stated that Mamman had been punctual throughout the trial.

"But today, one of his associates notified us that he is ill.

"My Lord, the defendant has never missed court for the past two years," he stated.

In response, Oyedepo argued that because there was no indication of when Mamman would be seen, the court should proceed with the ruling.

Ahmed agreed completely with Oyedepo's submission.

"My lord can proceed to give judgment and if it is in his favour, bye bye to the court but if convicted, my lord can proceed with sentence in another date," Ahmed responded.

Justice Omotosho then asked if the defence might be granted a day's adjournment to allow the defendant to appear in court, but Ahmed requested a longer adjournment.

The judge, who stated that a notice of the hearing date had been sent to all parties, stated that the court would not use social media to publish the date.

The court scowled at Ahmed's statement, adding lawyers should be careful not to put the judiciary in a negative light.

"The defendant is not present, and there is no medical report to support this.

"We are all ministers in the temple of justice counsel," the judge explained.

Oyedepo then requested the court to proceed with the ruling.

"We are saying that the court can proceed with the judgment and if convicted, we will apply for a date for sentencing and if he is discharged, fine," he stated.

Justice Omotosho consequently decided to proceed with the decision.

At the time of filing this report, the judgment was still being read.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mamman, who recently announced his ambition to run for governor of Taraba in 2027, got the nomination form through the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the complaint designated FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, the EFCC preferred a 12-count revised charge against the former minister as the only defendant.

In July 2024, the commission charged Mamman with money laundering and conspiring with ministry officials and several private entities to "indirectly convert" N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

The former minister, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.