Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
In Abuja this week, a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama advanced the fraud trial of former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman, admitting additional documentary evidence in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s ongoing case alleging the diversion of approximately N31 billion. The development marks a key stage in what has become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched anti‑corruption proceedings.
During proceedings on March 25, 2026, Justice Maryann Anineh granted the prosecution’s request to admit new documents as evidence against Mamman and seven co‑accused individuals. The materials include account-related documents obtained from major Nigerian banks, detailing corporate accounts linked to a company at the center of the EFCC’s investigation. Compliance officers who provided the records testified that the documents — including account opening forms, identification certificates, and statements of transactions — were extracted from official bank systems, verified, and formally transmitted to investigators before being presented in court.
The admitted documents have been marked as exhibits, reinforcing the prosecution’s narrative of a complex financial scheme allegedly involving corporate accounts used to redirect public funds. Earlier testimony from bank officers described the generation and certification of account statements before submission to the EFCC.
The EFCC alleges that Mamman, who served as Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021, conspired with ministry officials and private contractors to improperly benefit from funds intended for national power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric initiatives. The charges include conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and intent to defraud, as part of a wider investigation into alleged misuse of public resources during his tenure.
Mamman’s legal team has challenged aspects of the prosecution’s evidence, filing applications in March 2026 seeking judicial review of procedural issues and certain documents. The court indicated that these motions would be examined in due course. Meanwhile, the trial has been adjourned to April 16, May 11, and June 4, 2026, allowing both sides to prepare for subsequent sessions.
Earlier stages of the trial included testimony from multiple witnesses and the submission of extensive documentary evidence. The defense had filed a no-case submission following initial prosecution witnesses, arguing insufficient evidence, which the court rejected, affirming that a prima facie case had been established and compelling Mamman to present his defense.
Mamman has consistently denied wrongdoing, maintaining that the EFCC has not sufficiently linked him to the alleged financial transactions or proven criminal intent. The defense argues that the prosecution’s presentation lacks a clear evidential foundation directly implicating him.
The trial reflects intensified efforts by Nigerian authorities to pursue high-level corruption and recover diverted public funds. The EFCC’s prosecution of former officials underscores public concern over governance, accountability, and stewardship of national development projects.
Future proceedings are expected to focus on detailed examination of banking records, corporate connections, and the roles of co-defendants allegedly involved in facilitating the financial transactions under investigation. The outcome may have significant implications for Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework and public confidence in the judicial process.
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