By Eseohe Solomon
In a significant legal development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, in Kuje Prison pending the hearing of his bail application. This decision was handed down by Justice James Omotosho on Thursday, July 11, following Mamman’s arraignment on a 12-count charge related to money laundering offences brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mamman, who appeared before the court, pleaded not guilty to all charges presented against him by the EFCC. The presiding judge, Justice Omotosho, after considering the arguments from both the prosecution and defense counsels, directed that Mamman be remanded in Kuje correctional centre until the scheduled hearing of his bail application on July 12.
During the proceedings, EFCC’s prosecuting lawyer, Olumide Fusika (SAN), requested a date for the commencement of the trial, while Mamman’s counsel, Femi Ate (SAN), indicated that a bail application had been submitted just before the court session began. However, Justice Omotosho noted that the bail application had not yet been formally processed into the court’s records, despite being received by the prosecuting lawyer earlier in the day.
In response, Femi Ate requested permission to return the following day to argue the bail application. Consequently, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to the next day and ordered Mamman’s remand pending the bail hearing.
The case marks a critical juncture in Mamman’s legal journey, as he faces serious allegations under Nigeria’s anti-corruption laws. The outcome of the bail application hearing scheduled for July 12 will be pivotal in determining Mamman’s immediate legal status as the trial progresses.
