The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over an alleged N33.8 billion fraud suffered a setback on Monday as the defence team failed to produce its witness before the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said.
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According to the anti-graft Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court, Maitama Division, could not proceed due to the absence of the defence witness.
At Monday’s proceedings, defence counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, informed the court that he was unable to subpoena the witness because the individual was not available at his office.
He consequently sought more time to secure the witness’s appearance.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and adjourned the matter until February 26, 2026, for the defendant to open his defence.
Mamman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the former minister was involved in financial infractions amounting to over N33.8 billion during his tenure.
The trial is a part of ongoing efforts by the EFCC to prosecute high-profile corruption cases involving former public officials.
The matter is expected to resume later this week when the defence is anticipated to present its case, Oyewale stressed.
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