An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator, Abubakar Kwaido, testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 26 that former Power Minister Saleh Mamman provided voluntary confessional statements in a N33.8 billion fraud case linked to the Mambilla Power Project.
Appearing before Justice James Omotosho, Kwaido detailed Mamman’s statements, given between May 10 and August 9, 2023, in the presence of legal counsel and associates, refuting defense claims of coercion.
Mamman faces a 12-count charge for money laundering and conspiracy, with the EFCC alleging he diverted N33.8 billion meant for the 3,050MW Mambilla hydropower plant, stalled since 2000. Kwaido listed sessions attended by lawyers P.A. Aderungi, P.A. Adewuyi, and others, emphasizing transparency. The court admitted the statements as evidence despite objections from Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, who argued they were extracted under duress.
The trial, adjourned to June 27, 2025, for cross-examination, highlights Nigeria’s $10 billion annual loss to power sector fraud. Mamman’s case, costing N500 million in legal expenses, underscores the EFCC’s push to recover looted funds, with 70% of Nigeria’s 200 million population lacking reliable electricity.
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