Saleh Mamman, former minister of power under administration of president Buhari
Saleh Mamman, former minister of power, says his lawyer misrepresented him in statements made to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mamman faces a 12-count charge over alleged money laundering related to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The EFCC is prosecuting the former minister over alleged conspiracy to launder N33.8 billion.
Giving evidence as the first defence witness during a trial-within-trial on Wednesday, Mamman said he went to the EFCC’s office on February 20, 2025, with his lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, when commission’s prosecutors interviewed him.
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During cross examination by Rotimi Oyedepo, prosecution lawyer, the former minister admitted that he authorised Ahmed to write his statements on his behalf.
However, Mamman alleged that his lawyer fabricated some portions of the statement, saying that he was not sure everything written reflected what he actually said.
When asked to identify the fabricated portion of the statement from the exhibits, Mamman said he could not remember.
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The former minister noted that at the time of his invitation, he was neither maltreated, nor threatened of imprisonment by the EFCC officials.
James Omotosho, presiding judge, adjourned the matter to July 15 for adoption of written addresses.
