Updated: Ex-Power minister remanded in prison over alleged N33bn fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power, in Kuje Correctional Centre (prison), Abuja, pending his bail application.

Justice James Omotosho on Thursday gave the remand order after the court resumed proceedings on the money laundering charges brought against Mamman after a brief adjournment earlier in the day.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a 12-count money laundering charge against the former minister, whom then-President Muhammadu Buhari dismissed.

Mamman, who served from 2019 to 2021, faces allegations of embezzlement of an astounding N33 billion.

He is facing charges for allegedly engaging in money laundering activities during his tenure as a cabinet member.

Persecondnews recalls his arrest and detention at the anti-graft agency’s headquarters in Abuja on May 10, 2021.

In a cabinet reshuffle, Buhari, on September 1, 2021, dismissed both Mamman and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sabo Nanono.

Later, accusations surfaced that Mamman conspired with ministry employees in charge of the accounts for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to embezzle about N22 billion.

The investigations uncovered a trail of assets, including properties in Nigeria and abroad, allegedly linked to the suspects, and they seized and recovered significant amounts of cash in both naira and US dollars.