Alleged fraud: My statement at EFCC office was made under duress – Ex-Power Minister Mamman
Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Powe has revealed the challenging circumstances under which he provided his statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering.
Mamman is currently facing a 12-count charge related to conspiracy to commit money laundering, linked to fraudulent activities in the Mambilla Hydropower Project contract.
Testifying in court, Mamman described how on February 20, he visited the EFCC accompanied by his lawyer, who assisted in drafting the statement due to Mamman’s serious health issues. He expressed that he experienced significant pain and discomfort throughout the investigation, raising concerns about his ability to confirm the accuracy of his dictated statement.
“I went to the desk of one of the investigators called Shehu, where I complained about my health situation. I even showed him my medical report in pleading with him for one week adjournment, but he refused,” Mamman stated. He further noted that Shehu explicitly told him that he was the “target” of the investigation.
During cross-examination by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mamman reiterated his difficulty recalling all details of the investigation due to his health condition.
The case has been adjourned until July 15 for the adoption of final written addresses related to the trial-within-trial. Additionally, the EFCC has launched a fresh charge against Mamman and seven others in an unrelated advance fee fraud case involving N31 billion.
In this latest charge, Mamman is joined by Mustapha Abubakar Bida and Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, among others, with Adewunmi serving as a Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Power.
A medical report submitted by Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), aimed to demonstrate that the former minister was not in a proper state of mind to make a statement. Earlier, Justice James Omotosho permitted the replaying of a video in which Mamman expressed his health concerns to EFCC investigators, contradicting the prosecution’s claim that he had not disclosed his health status.
As the prosecution has closed its case, Mamman is set to begin his defense on the next scheduled hearing date.
Source: Daily Trust
