Alleged N33bn Fraud: Court Remands Ex-Power Minister In Prison

Former Minister of Power, Mr Sale Mamman

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The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, ordered the remand of the immediate past Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Kuje prison.

The ex-Minister was remanded after pleading not guilty to a 12-count money laundering charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, preferred against him.

According to the trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, the former minister should remain in custody till Friday, when his bail application will be heard.

Mamman, who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, is facing trial over his alleged complicity in a N33 billion fraud.

He was arrested in 2021, about four months after he was removed from office by ex-President Buhari.

Among other things, the EFCC alleged that he conspired with staff members of the ministry to divert about N22bn that was meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

The Commission said its investigations revealed that the suspects used the funds to acquire choice assets, both within and outside the country.