The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in the sum of N10 billion. The bail decision, delivered on Friday by Justice James Omotosho, requires Mamman to provide two sureties with properties worth at least N750 million each within the Federal Capital Territory.
Mamman faces 12 counts of money laundering totaling N33 billion, as charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court has stipulated that the sureties must present three-year tax clearance certificates, an affidavit of means, and certified copies of their bank statements along with recent passport photographs. Alternatively, they may provide a bank guarantee or bond for the same amount.
Furthermore, Mamman is required to surrender his international passport to the court’s Registrar, who must verify all documentation before his release from custody. Until these conditions are met, Mamman will remain in prison custody.
The case has been adjourned until September 25, 2024, for hearing.
Mamman, represented by his counsel Femi Ate (SAN), pleaded not guilty to all charges. The defense based their bail application on Sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. The defense argued that Mamman had adhered to the conditions of his administrative bail for over two years and assured the court of his commitment to attend his trial.
The EFCC, represented by lawyer A. O. Mohammed, did not oppose the bail request but urged the court to impose strict conditions to ensure Mamman’s presence during the trial.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arrested in 2021, four months after his removal from office. The EFCC alleges that he, along with ministry staff, diverted N22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, using the funds to acquire properties domestically and internationally.
