Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Proceedings in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, were delayed on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, after the defendant failed to file his final written address within the scheduled time.
The case, being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, concerns allegations of money laundering involving approximately N33.8 billion, specifically N33,804,830,503.73, which the prosecution claims is linked to multiple financial transactions during Mamman’s tenure in office.
The matter came before Justice James Omotosho for the adoption of final written addresses, a procedural stage that typically precedes judgment in a criminal trial. However, defence counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, informed the court that although they had received the prosecution’s final written address, they were yet to complete and file their own response.
The defence counsel drew the court’s attention to a motion filed on April 1, 2026, seeking an extension of time to enable the defence to properly prepare and submit its final written address. With no objection raised by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the court granted the request.
Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned the matter to April 23, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses, effectively pushing the case closer to the final stage before judgment is delivered.
Mamman is standing trial on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering. The charges stem from accusations that significant public funds were diverted through complex financial arrangements during his time in office as Minister of Power. He has, however, maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
The trial has been ongoing for an extended period, with both prosecution and defence presenting documentary and testimonial evidence before the court. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has argued that the funds in question were unlawfully acquired and moved through multiple channels to conceal their origin.
The defence team, on the other hand, has consistently challenged the prosecution’s case, disputing both the interpretation of financial records and the alleged link between the defendant and the transactions cited by investigators.
Thursday’s development reflects a procedural delay rather than a substantive ruling on the merits of the case, but it underscores the careful pace at which complex financial crime trials proceed in Nigerian courts.
Legal observers note that the adoption of final written addresses is a critical step, as it allows both parties to formally summarize their arguments before the court retires to consider judgment. The outcome of this phase will determine when Justice Omotosho delivers a final ruling on the charges.
As the new hearing date approaches, attention remains focused on the court’s eventual decision in what is considered one of the high-profile corruption cases involving a former member of Nigeria’s federal executive cabinet.
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