The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the N33.8 billion money laundering case against Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power, to April 23, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses.
The matter, scheduled for continuation of final address adoption before Justice James Omotosho on Thursday, could not proceed as the defence was unable to complete filing its processes.
At the resumed hearing, Femi Atteh, SAN, counsel to Mamman, informed the court that he had filed a motion dated March 31, 2026, seeking an extension of time to regularise and file the defendant’s final written address, which was filed on April 1.
He noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not oppose the application.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, however, urged the court to deem the prosecution’s final written address as properly filed and served, a request the court granted.
Atteh further told the court that the prosecution’s processes were served on the defence only two days earlier and requested an adjournment to enable adequate review and response.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter until April 23, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by both parties.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is standing trial on a 12-count amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
The EFCC alleges that he conspired with ministry officials and private firms to indirectly divert about N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
He was arraigned in July 2024 and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In the course of trial, the anti-graft agency called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.
The defendant later filed a no-case submission in November 2025, arguing that the prosecution had failed to establish credible evidence to warrant his defence.
However, in its ruling on December 11, 2025, the court dismissed the application, holding that the EFCC had established a prima facie case requiring the defendant to respond to the allegations.
Justice Omotosho affirmed that while the evidence was sufficient to require a defence, Mamman remained presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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