Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed April 23 for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to adopt their final written addresses in an alleged money laundering case.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after granting an application by defence counsel, seeking an extension of time to file the defendant’s final address.
The court also granted the defence leave to file a reply to the prosecution’s address, presented by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN). The applications were not opposed by the prosecution.
Mamman was arraigned by the EFCC in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and conspiracy involving N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.
The defendant, who testified as the sole witness, argued that the prosecution failed to link him to the alleged offences.
He urged the court to dismiss the charges, insisting that he had no relationship with any of the companies listed in the charge.
Meanwhile, in a related case before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, two EFCC witnesses told the court that Mamman’s name did not appear in the account opening documents, signatory mandates, or statements of accounts of companies linked to the alleged N31 billion fraud.
Justice Maryam Anenih had earlier admitted the banking documents in evidence.
The companies involved include Spinhills Biz International Limited, Silverline Ocean Ventures Limited, Beaver Builders Limited, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Breathable Investment Limited, First-Class Construction Project Limited, Royal Perimeter Ventures, Dannywest Limited, Dorino Bright Limited, Sipikin Global Ventures Limited, and Fullest Utility Concepts Limited.
Mamman and seven others are standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, false pretence, and intent to defraud.
However, the prosecution witnesses reportedly did not establish that Mamman owned, directed, or controlled the companies.
Evidence before the court also indicated that some of the financial transactions occurred before his appointment as minister and after he left office.
One of the witnesses, Umar Abba, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, told the court that the EFCC requested the banking documents in March 2025.
Under cross-examination, he confirmed that Mamman’s name did not appear in any of the documents and that he was neither a director nor a shareholder in the companies.
