A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Kuje prison pending the consideration of his bail application.
Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Thursday, July 11, after Mamman was arraigned on a 12-count charge of money laundering offences.
Mamman, who pleaded not guilty to the charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), faces serious allegations of financial misconduct.
Following his plea, prosecuting lawyer Olumide Fusika (SAN) requested a date for the commencement of the trial.
Femi Ate (SAN), representing the defendant, informed the court that a bail application had been filed shortly before the court session began.
Fusika acknowledged receiving the application around 12:30 pm but noted that it was not yet in the court’s file.
In response, Ate requested that the court allow him to return the next day to argue the bail application, a request that Fusika did not oppose.
Justice Omotosho then adjourned the hearing of the bail application to Friday, July 12, and ordered Mamman’s remand in Kuje Correctional Centre.
Mamman, who his lawyer stated is ill, appeared dejected as he stepped off the dock following the judge’s pronouncement.
The case against him marks another significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to tackle corruption and financial crimes within its public sector.