Judge Rebukes Defence Delays in N31bn Fraud Trial

Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, expressed strong displeasure on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, over what she described as deliberate time-wasting tactics by the defence counsel in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. Mamman faces a nine-count charge alongside seven co-defendants—Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusila—for alleged conspiracy, false pretence, and fraud amounting to N31,070,541,349.64 ​. The case, prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stems from irregularities linked to power sector contracts, including the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project ​.

Court Rejects Premature Jurisdiction Bid

The session grew tense when Temitayo Sonuyi, SAN, counsel to the second defendant (Bida), objected to starting the trial. He insisted on first resolving two applications filed on December 5 and 10, 2025, challenging the charge’s validity and the court’s jurisdiction ​. Justice Anenih ruled the applications unripe, noting she had not reviewed the affidavits and lacked the final processes in the case file. “I cannot come here and sit down and waste time for nothing to be done today. Counsel, please let’s proceed with the trial,” she firmly directed, promising a ruling on the next adjourned date ​.

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Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, countered that his counter-affidavit had been served on the second defendant on January 6, 2026, and urged the court to proceed, with witnesses ready. Sonuyi then withdrew his response affidavit to reorganize, while J.A. Egwaede, counsel for the sixth defendant, requested time to review the just-served counter-affidavit ​.

Adjournment Granted for Fair Hearing

In her ruling, Justice Anenih prioritized justice by granting an adjournment, recognizing the sixth defendant’s need to respond. The court adjourned to February 18, March 11, and March 25, 2026, for the jurisdiction ruling and trial continuation ​. This development follows prior proceedings, including a December 2025 Federal High Court rejection of Mamman’s no-case submission in a related N33.8 billion money laundering case tied to Zungeru and Mambilla projects, where prima facie evidence was upheld ​. The trials highlight ongoing EFCC scrutiny of power ministry dealings under the Buhari administration