The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday granted N10 billion bail to former Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman, who was remanded in prison custody over his alleged involvement in a N33 billion fraud.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the ruling, permitted Mamman, who is facing a 12-count charge, to N10 billion post bail with two sureties required to provide equivalent guarantees.
The court specified that the sureties must own landed properties in Abuja with a minimum valuation of N750 million.
Additionally, they must present three-year tax clearance certificates and affidavit of means.
Both Mamman and the sureties are to submit certified copies of their recent bank statements and passport photographs.
Furthermore, Mamman was directed to submit his passport to the court registrar pending verification of all documents before release.
Alternatively, the court allowed the sureties to furnish a N10 billion bank guarantee or bond.
Mamman, who was remanded at the Kuje prison on Thursday by the court, will remain in prison custody until all bail conditions are met.
At the continuation of his trial on Thursday, Mamman, former Minister of Power under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, collapsed outside the courtroom.
The event occurred at the Federal High Court in Abuja and was blamed on his alleged ill-health.
The former minister’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho shortly when he was called to take his plea.
Upon resumed hearing, the ex-minister walked into the courtroom and stepped into the dock with part of his clothes drenched.
Justice Omotosho was quoted as asking why Mamman was sweating or whether it was raining outside, while the accused stated that it was from the water poured on him.
Mamman was remanded in prison custody after he pleaded not guilty to the 12-count money laundering charge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), preferred against him.
He was arrested in 2021, about four months after he was removed from office by ex-President Buhari.
EFCC, among other things, alleged that he conspired with staff members of the ministry to divert about N22billion that was meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
The anti-graft agency said its investigations revealed that the suspects used the funds to acquire choice assets, both within and outside the country.
Mamman, who was represented by a legal team led by Mr. Femi Ate (SAN) appealed for bail based on constitutional provisions and assured the court of his readiness to face trial without interference with witnesses.
The EFCC, represented by Mr. A. O. Mohammed, did not oppose bail but requested conditions ensuring Mamman’s presence at trial.
The case was adjourned until September 25 for further proceedings. (Sahara Reporters)
