Alleged Fraud: I Was Ill When EFCC Took My Statement – Ex-Minister Mamman
A former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that his statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was made under difficult health conditions.
Mamman is standing trial on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering over alleged fraud linked to the Mambilla Hydropower Project.
Led in evidence by his counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), Mamman said he reported to the EFCC on 20 February with his lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, who wrote his statement on his behalf due to his poor health.
“When I reported to the EFCC on that day, I went to the desk of one of the investigators called Shehu, where I complained about my health situation. I even showed him my medical report in pleading with him for one-week adjournment, but he refused,” Mamman said.
He told the court that Shehu bluntly said he was the “target” of the investigation.
Under cross-examination by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mamman said he could not recall all that transpired during the interrogation due to the pain he was experiencing.
The medical report dated 16 January 2024 was tendered by the defence to show Mamman was not in the right state of mind to give a statement.
Justice James Omotosho overruled EFCC’s objection against the playback of a video clip showing Mamman informing investigators of his condition.
In the clip, Mamman reportedly said, “I instructed my lawyer to write my statement on my behalf as a result of my ill health. I have submitted a medical report to that effect.”
The judge adjourned the case to 15 July for adoption of final written addresses in the trial-within-trial.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has filed a fresh case against Mamman and seven others before an FCT High Court over alleged N31 billion advance fee fraud.
The other defendants are Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, and Ogunjobi Olusola.
Among them are senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Power, including directors in finance and project deployment.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
