The former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has been remanded in prison custody by the Federal High Court in Abuja as his alleged trial of N33billion fraud continued.
The Presiding Judge, James Omotosho on Monday adjourned the proceedings to May 2 after a key video evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was played in open court.
Mamman who served as minister of Power during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is facing multiple charges bordering on money laundering and conspiracy to divert public funds.
Although his counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that the statement during the EFCC interrogation was not made voluntarily and should be excluded from the main trial.
“My client was not in the right state of health and was under duress when the statement was taken,” Atteh told the court.
The EFCC Counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN however disagreed, maintaining that the statement was properly obtained in accordance with the law.
“The defendant was never coerced, threatened, or induced in any form. We followed due process,” said EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
Justice Omotosho, in a bid to ensure transparency and fairness, ordered that the video of Mamman’s interrogation be played in court.
In the footage played on Monday, Mamman is seen telling investigators that he could not write his statement due to ill health.
Justice Omotosho then adjourned the case until May 2, 2025, for continuation of trial, stating that the court would continue to uphold principles of justice and fairness for both the prosecution and the defence.