Alleged N31billion Fraud: Court Slams Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman’s Counsel Over Time-Wasting Antics In Trial
The Federal High Court judge in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Justice Maryann Anenih has accused defence counsel Temitayo Sonuyi, SAN, of adopting “time wasting antics” in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.
Mamman and seven others are standing trial on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, false pretence and intent to defraud to the tune of N31,070,541,349.64.
The judge’s rebuke came after Sonuyi objected to the commencement of the trial, insisting that the court should first determine an application on jurisdiction.
“I have listened to both parties, however, reading the prayers, I cannot take the prayers in the application when I have not seen or read it. It is not ripe for hearing at this point and the final process is not in the case file before me,” Justice Anenih said.
She further told the defence counsel that the proper procedure should have been followed earlier, adding: “If you want the application to be processed today, the proper thing has to be done earlier because I have to go through the application. I cannot come here and sit down and waste time for nothing to be done today.”
Sonuyi had earlier drawn the court’s attention to two applications filed on December 5 and 10, 2025, challenging the appropriateness of the charge and the court’s jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said the second defendant was served with a counter-affidavit on January 6, 2026, and urged the court to commence trial, noting that his witnesses were already in court. He suggested that the jurisdiction issue could be heard later to avoid wasting court time.
Upon hearing the prosecution’s position, Sonuyi sought leave to withdraw his affidavit in response to the counter-affidavit, saying he would put his “house in order.”
Counsel to the sixth defendant, J. A. Egwaede, told the court that the counter-affidavit was only served on him in court and asked for an adjournment to enable him go through it and file his reply.
Justice Anenih granted the adjournment, saying the court must hear the jurisdiction application and ensure the sixth defendant has a fair opportunity to respond.
The case was adjourned to February 18, March 11 and March 25, 2026 for ruling and continuation of the trial.