‘N33bn fraud’: Court grants ex-power minister N10bn bail

The federal high court in Abuja has granted Saleh Mamman, a former minister of power, N10 billion bail.

James Omotosho, the presiding judge, ruled on Friday that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

The presiding judge said the sureties’ property must be worth N750 million with registered titles.

The judge ordered that the sureties must present an affidavit of means and three years tax evidence to be verified by the court registrar.

Omotosho directed the former minister to submit his international passport to the court’s registry.

He added that Mamman should be remanded at the Kuje correctional centre until he perfects his bail condition.

The case was adjourned to September 25, 2024, for continuation of trial.

THE CASE

On Thursday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.

Before proceedings began, Mamman slumped outside the courtroom.

The former minister told the judge that he collapsed because he had taken drugs on an empty stomach.

He added that while waiting to be called to the dock, his blood pressure dropped.

Mamman said he could take his plea after being asked by the judge if he was fit enough for the day’s business.

The former minister pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Femi Ate, counsel to Mamman, thereafter told the court that his client had submitted his bail application.

Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, counsel to the anti-graft agency, said the defendant was served with the bail application around 12:30pm on Thursday.

Afterwards, the defence counsel pleaded with the court to allow the bail application to be heard the next day.

The EFCC counsel did not oppose the request.

The trial judge remanded the former minister at Kuje correctional centre and adjourned the bail application to Friday.