TDThe trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over alleged fraud and money laundering has entered its final phase, with the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, setting June 9, 2026, as the date for judgment.
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, announced the date on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The announcement followed the adoption of final written addresses by both the prosecution and the defence.
Mamman is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
The charges involve an alleged sum of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three billion, eight hundred and four million, eight hundred and thirty thousand, five hundred and three naira, seventy-three kobo), which the anti-graft agency claims was illegally diverted during his tenure as minister.
At the latest court session, Mamman’s lead counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, informed the court that the defence had fulfilled all procedural requirements ahead of judgment.
According to him, the defence team filed its final written address on April 1, 2026, outlining its arguments and position on the charges.
He further disclosed that a reply had also been submitted in response to the prosecution’s final written address, reinforcing the defence’s stance.
Atteh urged the court to rely on the arguments presented in their filings and to carefully evaluate the evidence brought before it.
He maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.
He insisted that the allegations against his client were not sufficiently proven.
Consequently, he called on the court to discharge and acquit Mamman of all charges.
In response, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, reiterated its confidence in the strength of its case.
Oyedepo confirmed that the prosecution’s final written address was filed on April 14, 2026.
He emphasized that the evidence presented throughout the trial clearly established Mamman’s involvement in the alleged financial misconduct.
Arguing before the court, Oyedepo highlighted key testimonies and documentary evidence.
According to him, they directly linked the defendant to the movement and handling of the disputed funds.
He stressed that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated that funds were transferred from a government account into the account of a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator.
Providing further details, Oyedepo told the court that the BDC operator testified under oath.
He confirmed receipt of the funds and explaining how cash deliveries were allegedly made to Mamman’s residence.
He also referenced testimony from an associate of the defendant, described as a staff member who worked closely with Mamman.
The defendant reportedly admitted to receiving portions of the funds on the defendant’s instructions.
Oyedepo questioned what additional level of proof could be required.
He asserted that the prosecution had presented a coherent and compelling case supported by both witness testimony and financial records.
He urged the court to dismiss the defence’s submissions, which he described as lacking merit, and to convict Mamman on all 12 counts.
“The evidence before this court is clear and unambiguous,” Oyedepo argued.
He maintained that the prosecution had met the legal threshold required for conviction in a criminal trial of this nature.
Following the submissions from both parties, Justice Omotosho adjourned the case until June 9, 2026, when judgment will be delivered.
The forthcoming ruling is expected to bring closure to a high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention, particularly given Mamman’s former role in managing Nigeria’s power sector.
Legal analysts note that the judgment will hinge on the court’s interpretation of the evidence presented, especially regarding the credibility of witnesses and the linkage between the defendant and the alleged financial transactions.
The case also underscores the continued efforts by anti-corruption agencies to prosecute public officials accused of financial impropriety.
