Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power in Nigeria under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, has been remanded in Kuje prison pending the consideration of his bail application.
This decision was issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja today, following Mamman’s arraignment on charges of money laundering.
Mamman pleaded not guilty to the 12-count money laundering charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege that Mamman engaged in money laundering activities amounting to N33 billion during his tenure as minister from 2019 to 2021.
The former minister’s legal troubles began with his arrest on May 10, 2021, by the EFCC in Abuja. Subsequent investigations revealed alleged misappropriations involving the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, leading to accusations of diverting approximately N22 billion with the assistance of ministry staff.
President Buhari later took action on September 1, 2021, by dismissing Mamman as part of a cabinet restructuring. The investigations further uncovered assets both in Nigeria and overseas believed to be linked to Mamman and his associates, with significant sums of money in both naira and dollars reportedly recovered.
