A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered that Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, be held in Kuje prison pending his bail hearing. Justice James Omotosho issued this order on Thursday after resuming Mamman’s arraignment on charges of money laundering.
Mamman pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges accuse him of money laundering offenses amounting to N33 billion.
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The EFCC alleges that Mamman conspired with ministry staff to divert about N22 billion from the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. Investigations revealed properties linked to the suspects both in Nigeria and abroad, and millions of naira and dollars were reportedly recovered.
Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021. He was arrested and detained by the EFCC on May 10, 2021, and was dismissed by Buhari on September 1, 2021, during a cabinet restructuring.
Justice Omotosho’s decision to remand Mamman in prison comes as the court considers his bail application. The judge’s initial hearing of the case had been delayed, but it resumed with Mamman’s plea and the subsequent remand order.