I Was Ill And Coerced! – Ex-Minister Mamman Breaks Silence On EFCC Confession

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has recounted how he was forced to give a statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) while battling serious health issues during an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to the Mambilla Hydropower Project.

Mamman is currently standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. The EFCC accuses him of mismanaging public funds through contracts awarded during his tenure.

At a trial-within-trial session held on Friday, Mamman, while being led in evidence by his lawyer, Femi Atteh (SAN), told the court that he reported to the EFCC office on February 20 alongside his legal representative, Mohammed Ahmed of Pineal Solicitors, because he was unwell.

He explained that he was too sick to write his statement and therefore asked his lawyer to do it on his behalf.

“When I got to the EFCC, I met with one of the investigators named Shehu. I explained my health condition and presented a medical report, requesting a one-week adjournment. He turned me down,” Mamman said.

He added that the investigator bluntly told him, “You are the target of this investigation.”

Under cross-examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Mamman said he couldn’t recall all that transpired at the time due to his poor health. He also said he wasn’t sure whether his lawyer captured his exact words while writing the statement.

Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the case, dismissed the EFCC’s objection to a video clip where Mamman is seen complaining about his health during the interrogation.

The defence presented the video to counter earlier testimony by EFCC witness Abubakar Kwaido, who claimed that Mamman never raised any health concerns.

To back up his claims, Mamman’s lawyers also submitted a medical report dated January 16, 2024, showing he was medically unfit to give a formal statement.

Meanwhile, in a separate legal action, the EFCC has filed new criminal charges against Mamman and seven others at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court. The fresh charges allege their involvement in a N31 billion advance fee fraud scheme.

Those named in the new charge sheet (FCT/CR/375/2025) include Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi (Director of Finance and Accounts, Federal Ministry of Power), Ben Nsikak (Director of Federal Projects), Stephen Ojo (Director of Accounts and Financial Management), Oladipo Adebowale, and Ogunjobi Olusola.

Justice Omotosho has adjourned the matter to July 15 for the adoption of final written addresses in the trial-within-trial.

The prosecution has since closed its case, and the defence is expected to open on the next hearing date.