In a dramatic turn at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has insisted that former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, made multiple confessional statements voluntarily—refuting claims of coercion. The statements were reportedly made in the presence of his lawyers and trusted associates between May and August 2023.
Testifying before Justice James Omotosho on Thursday, June 26, EFCC’s first prosecution witness, Abubakar Kwaido, dismissed allegations that the embattled ex-minister was pressured or threatened into confessing during interrogation.
Kwaido, an investigator with the Commission, maintained that all statements by Mr Mamman—some handwritten, others dictated—were made “freely and voluntarily.” According to him, each session was conducted in the company of legal counsel or close associates of the defendant.
“I was shocked to hear that there were claims of threats,” Kwaido stated. “From the videos presented to the court, it’s clear that both the defendant and his lawyer appeared relaxed and were even smiling. There was no sign of duress.”
Detailing the dates and presence of witnesses during interrogation, Kwaido said Mr Mamman provided statements to the EFCC on May 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, and 19, as well as August 3 and 9, 2023. Each occasion, he added, had different legal representatives or individuals accompanying him.
He explained:
- “On May 11, his counsel, P.A. Aderungi, was present.
- May 12 had both P.A. Adewuyi and Aliyu Musa.
- On May 15, the defendant gave a statement in the presence of Muzzarril Yahaya after being cautioned.
- May 17 was with Umar Yunusa;
- May 19 with Paul Adetako.
- August 3, he came along with a business associate named Rabiu,
- And on August 9, he was accompanied by Suleiman Yusuf.”
The EFCC is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering, alleging that he diverted ₦33.8 billion intended for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
While defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Atteh, objected to the admissibility of the statements—claiming they were obtained under duress—the court ruled in favour of the prosecution. Lead prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, argued convincingly that due process was followed.
Justice James Omotosho subsequently admitted the statements as evidence and adjourned the trial to Friday, June 27, 2025, for continuation of cross-examination.
As the case unfolds, the court’s decision to admit Mamman’s statements may prove pivotal in determining the former minister’s fate. The trial continues amidst growing public scrutiny over how billions allegedly meant for national development mysteriously vanished. More revelations are expected in the coming days.
