Ex-power Minister ‘Mamman’ Granted N10b Bail

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman at N10billion.

In a ruling on Friday, Justice James Omotosho ordered Mamman to produce two sureties in like sum.

Justice Omotosho said each of the sureties must own a landed property worth N750million within the jurisdiction of the court.

The judge said he needed not to produce sureties if he is able to provide a bank guarantee or bond to cover the N10b.

According to the judge, the sureties are to provide evidence of tax payment for three years, while the defendant is to deposit his travel passport with the court.

The judge ordered that Mamman is to be further remanded in Kuje prison pe ding when he meets the bail conditions.

The ruling was on the bail application by the ex-Minister.

Earlier, while moving the bail application, Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Ate (SAN) prayed the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms.

Ate argued that the offences alleged were bailable, assuring that his client would  be available for trial.

Lawyer to the prosecution, A.O. Mohammed did not oppose the defence’s request for bail.

Mohammed said he would allow the court to exercise it’s discretion on the issue, but urged it to set conditions that will ensure that the defendant attend his trial.

Ruling, Justice Omotosho noted bail is a constitutional right of a defendant, which must be exercised by the judicially and judiciously.

The judge added that a defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty.

Mamman was arraigned on Thursday on a 12-count charge, in which he was among others, accused of laundering about N33.8billion.

I’m the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024 filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the ex-Minister is also alleged to acquired property, through proxies, with looted funds.