BREAKING: Court Grants N10bn Bail to Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman

In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in the substantial sum of N10 billion. The decision was delivered on Friday by Justice James Omotosho, following Mamman’s arraignment on 12 counts of money laundering amounting to N33 billion, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Omotosho stipulated stringent conditions for Mamman’s release. The two required sureties must own landed properties within the Federal Capital Territory, each with a minimum valuation of N750 million. Additionally, they must present their three-year tax clearance certificates and depose to an affidavit of means. Both the defendant and the sureties are mandated to submit certified copies of their bank statements and recent passport photographs. Alternatively, the sureties can provide a bank guarantee or bond equivalent to N10 billion. The court also ordered Mamman to surrender his international passport to the court’s Registrar, who must verify all the submitted documents before Mamman’s release from custody.

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Despite granting bail, Justice Omotosho ordered that Mamman remain in prison custody until all bail conditions are met. The court adjourned the case to September 25, 2024, for further hearings. During the Thursday session, Mamman, represented by his counsel Femi Ate (SAN), pleaded not guilty to all charges. His bail application, citing provisions from the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015, emphasized his compliance with previous administrative bail conditions and his pledge to attend all future trials.

Mamman’s legal troubles began after his arrest in 2021, following his removal from office by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC alleges that Mamman, in collaboration with ministry staff, diverted N22 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. These funds were purportedly used to acquire prime assets both domestically and internationally. The anti-graft agency’s lawyer, Mr. A. O. Mohammed, did not oppose Mamman’s bail request but insisted on stringent conditions to ensure the defendant’s attendance at trial.

This high-profile case underscores the ongoing efforts to address corruption within Nigeria’s public sector. The stringent bail conditions reflect the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability while balancing the defendant’s rights. As the legal process unfolds, this case will continue to attract public and media attention, highlighting the broader issues of governance and accountability in Nigeria.

Source: Punch

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