N33.8bn Fraud Trial: Why Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman’s Defense Stalled in Court

 

​The high-profile corruption trial of Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, hit a significant procedural snag on Monday, February 23, 2026, as the defense failed to produce a witness at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mamman, who served under the previous administration, is facing a staggering 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and the alleged diversion of N33.8 billion. While the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has already closed its case after calling several witnesses, the defense’s inability to proceed has raised questions about the pace of justice in one of Nigeria’s largest financial misappropriation cases involving a former cabinet member.

​The Courtroom Drama: Witness Absence Halts Proceedings

​When the matter was called for the commencement of the defense's case before Justice James Omotosho, the legal team representing Saleh Mamman informed the court that their witness was unavailable to testify. The defense counsel pleaded for an adjournment, citing unforeseen circumstances that prevented the witness from appearing in person. This development comes after months of legal sparring, during which the EFCC presented forensic evidence and bank statements allegedly linking the former minister to various shell companies and unauthorized fund transfers.

​Justice Omotosho, known for his firm stance on avoiding unnecessary judicial delays, expressed his observation regarding the slow progress. However, in the interest of a fair trial and to allow the defendant the constitutional right to present his defense, the court granted a final window for the witness to be produced. The failure to bring forward a witness at this stage of the trial is a strategic blow to the defense, as the prosecution has already built a voluminous case centered on the "missing" billions intended for national power projects.

​Inside the N33.8 Billion Allegations

​The core of the EFCC’s case against Saleh Mamman revolves around the alleged criminal diversion of funds meant for the development of Nigeria's electricity infrastructure. According to the charges, the former minister conspired with others to launder billions through private business accounts, some of which were allegedly used to acquire luxury properties in Abuja and other major cities. The prosecution contends that these funds were siphoned between 2019 and 2021, a period when the nation’s power sector faced severe liquidity crises.

​One of the key witnesses previously called by the EFCC, a compliance officer from a leading commercial bank, provided testimony regarding how hundreds of millions were moved in "structured tranches" to avoid immediate regulatory red flags. The anti-graft agency argues that these transactions constitute a clear breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act. For Saleh Mamman, the burden of proof has now shifted, and his legal team must provide a compelling counter-narrative to explain the origin of these funds and the legitimacy of the transactions in question.

​The Broader Impact on Nigeria’s Power Sector

​The trial of Saleh Mamman is not just a legal battle; it is a symbol of the deep-seated issues within Nigeria’s power sector. For decades, billions of dollars have been allocated to fix the national grid, yet consistent supply remains elusive for millions of Nigerians. Anti-corruption activists argue that trials like this are essential to demonstrate accountability. If N33.8 billion was indeed diverted, it represents a massive loss of resources that could have funded critical sub-stations, transformers, and grid stabilization projects across the country.

​Public interest in the case remains high, particularly as the "Renewed Hope" administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues its purge of officials suspected of financial crimes. The outcome of the Mamman trial will likely serve as a litmus test for the independence of the judiciary and the efficacy of the EFCC in securing convictions against high-ranking political figures.

​What Happens Next?

​With the trial now adjourned to a later date, the defense is under immense pressure to ensure that their witnesses are present and ready to testify. Justice Omotosho has indicated that the court will not tolerate further delays, as the case has already spent considerable time on the cause list. If the defense continues to fail in producing witnesses, they risk being ordered to close their case, which would lead directly to the adoption of final written addresses and an eventual judgment.

​For now, Saleh Mamman remains on bail, though his international passport is in the custody of the court to prevent him from leaving the country. As the legal community watches closely, the next hearing will be crucial in determining whether the former minister can successfully challenge the evidence presented by the EFCC or if he will become the latest high-profile figure to be convicted of grand corruption.