Ex-Minister Remanded In Kuje Prison For Alleged N33bn Fraud

A former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, had been remanded in Kuje prison in Abuja pending the consideration of his bail application.

Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja issued the order on Thursday after the court resumed Mamman’s arraignment on money laundering charge which was earlier stepped down.

The former minister was dragged to court by the
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman.

He was alleged to have committed money laundering offences to the tune of N33 billion.

He however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

The EFCC counsel, Olumide Fusika (SAN), sought a date for the commencement of trial.

Defendant’s lawyer, Femi Ate (SAN), however informed the court that he filed a bail application after the matter was stood down earlier in the morning.

“I have filed a motion on notice this morning shortly after the proceeding was stood down,” he said.

However, the judge replied that the matter was stood down to take the defendant’s plea and not bail application.

But the defendant’s lawyer urged the court to hear his application.

“I don’t have it before me,” Justice Omotosho said in response to Ate’s plea.

The defense counsel prayed the court to allow him return the next day to argue the bail application.

The prosecution counsel admitted that he was served with the bail application around 12:30pm, adding that he has no objection to the court decision of the day for bail application.

After listening to their submissions, the judge adjourned the matter till Friday July 12 for the hearing of the bail application.

Omotosho also ordered that the former minister be remanded in Kuje correctional center.