, Orders Him To Open Defence
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday dismissed a no-case submission filed by former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, clearing the way for the ex-official to begin his defence in the ₦33.8billion corruption case slammed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The judge ruled that the anti-graft agency had established a prima facie case against Mamman after calling 17 witnesses and tendering 43 exhibits linking him to the alleged laundering and diversion of tens of billions of naira.
The funds were earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydropower projects.
Mamman, who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is accused of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to “indirectly convert” ₦33.8billion meant for the major power infrastructure projects — funds investigators say disappeared under his watch.
But in a ruling that signalled trouble for the former minister, Justice Omotosho said the evidence on record was weighty enough to require explanations from Mamman rather than allow him walk free without entering a defence.
“The evidence tendered is such that the defendant must proffer some explanations, or put in a defence to the allegation made against him, considering the seriousness of the offences,” the judge held.
The court, however, stressed that the decision to overrule the no-case submission was not a pronouncement of guilt, but a constitutional requirement for due process.
According to Justice Omotosho, the defendant’s right to defend himself under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution is fundamental and cannot be sidestepped by “beautifully written” addresses that attempt to substitute legal argument for actual evidence.
“A no-case submission having been overruled, he is hereby called upon to put in his defence to the charge against him,” the judge said.
Mamman’s lawyers had argued that the prosecution failed to present credible, reliable evidence tying him personally to the alleged fraudulent diversion.
But the EFCC countered that witnesses and documents tendered so far had already established a prima facie case that must be answered.
The case has now been adjourned to February 23, 2026, when Mamman is expected to open his defence.
The former minister joins a long list of ex-officials currently facing corruption trials over alleged massive looting entrenched in the administration’s power, aviation, humanitarian and security sectors.