ABUJA — The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, intensified on Wednesday as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court admitted a fresh batch of incriminating bank documents into evidence. Mamman, who served under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, is facing a multi-billion naira corruption charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Presiding Judge, Justice Maryann Anineh, admitted the documents — marked as Exhibits E1 to E4 — which were tendered by the second prosecution witness (PW2), Leadu Kpandei. Kpandei, a compliance officer with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), testified that the documents included account opening forms and statements belonging to Fullest Utility Concept Ltd, a company allegedly used in the diversion of public funds.
Under interrogation by EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed, Kpandei confirmed that the bank provided these records following a request in March 2025. She affirmed that the data was distilled directly from the bank’s database and officially endorsed before submission to the anti-graft agency.
Key Testimonies and Cross-Examination
Earlier in the day, the first prosecution witness (PW1), Umar Abba of Zenith Bank, concluded his cross-examination. Abba detailed how he generated and verified account statements for the defendants from the bank’s computer systems.
During his testimony, Abba clarified that while the bank complied with the EFCC’s request for data, it did not notify the account holders of the probe, citing strict banking protocols and legal prohibitions against alerting subjects of criminal investigations.
The prosecution alleges that Mamman, alongside seven others, conspired to defraud the Federal Government of over N31 billion through a complex web of shell companies and false pretenses. This case is separate from another N33.8 billion money laundering trial Mamman is facing at the Federal High Court involving funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
Defence Maneuvers
Suleiman Mohammed, counsel to the former minister, informed the court of a pending application filed on March 9, 2026. While the details of the motion were not read in open court, the judge acknowledged the filing and promised to review it.
The trial has been characterized by several procedural hurdles, including earlier attempts by the defense to challenge the court’s jurisdiction—a move Justice Anineh previously cautioned against to avoid “delay tactics.”
Justice Anineh has adjourned the matter to April 16, May 11, and June 4, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
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