A former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has narrated how he gave his statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its investigation for alleged money laundering under very difficult health condition.

Mamman is facing a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering preferred against him by the EFCC for alleged fraud in the contract for the Mambilla Hydropower Project before a Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mamman, who was led in evidence by his counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), told the court that he visited the EFCC on February 20 with his lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed of Pineal Solicitors, who wrote the statement on his behalf due to his ill health.

While testifying in the trial-within-trial, he said he was under severe pains and discomfort resulting from his ill-health during his investigation and could not confirm whether the lawyer wrote exactly what he dictated.

“When I reported to the EFCC on that day, I went to the desk of one of the investigator 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,” he said.

It was his testimony that the said Shehu bluntly told him that he was the “target” of the whole investigation.

Speaking under cross- examination by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the defendant maintained that he was not in the position to remember everything that transpired during the investigation.

Justice Omotosho has adjourned the matter till July 15 for adoption of final written addresses in the trial-within-trial.

Similarly, the EFCC has filed a fresh criminal charge against the former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman and seven others before an FCT High Court, bordering on alleged advance fee fraud to the tune of N31 billion.

Other defendants charged along Mamman in the charge marked FCT/CR/ 375/2025 are Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale and Ogunjobi Olusola.

While Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi is a Director, Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Power, Ben Nsikak is a Director Federal project, responsible for deployment of projects, Stephen Ojo is the Director Accounts and Financial Management, Federal Ministry of Power.

The medical report dated January 16, 2024, was tendered by counsel to the defendant, Femi Atteh (SAN), during the trial-within-trial proceedings, to prove that the former minister was sick and not in a good state of mind to make a statement to the commission.

Earlier, Justice James Omotosho overruled the objection by the EFCC against replaying the video clip in court, where Mamman complained to the EFCC investigators about his health condition.

The defence counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN) had applied for the video to be played back to contradict the statement by the prosecution witness, Abubakar Kwaido, that the defendant did not disclose the his state health before the commencement of the investigation.

The defence lawyer drew the attention of the witness to the statement of the defendant made on February 20, 2024 where he stated; “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.”

Meanwhile, the prosecution has closed its case in the trial-within-trial proceedings and the defendant will open his defence on the next adjourned date. (Weekend Trust)