An Abuja Federal High Court has granted bail to the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is facing charges related to a N33 billion fraud. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, set the bail at N10 billion, requiring two sureties of equal sum.
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The conditions for the sureties include ownership of landed properties in Abuja valued at a minimum of N750 million, submission of three-year tax clearance certificates, and an affidavit of means.
Additionally, both Mamman and the sureties must provide certified copies of their bank statements and recent passport photographs.
Mamman must also surrender his international passport to the court’s registrar, who will verify all submitted documents before his release from custody.
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Alternatively, the sureties can submit a bank guarantee or bond of N10 billion.
Until these conditions are met, Mamman will remain in prison custody.
The trial is set to continue on September 25.
Mamman, who pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requested bail on liberal terms through his lead lawyer, Femi Ate, SAN.
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His bail application, filed on July 11, referenced constitutional provisions and sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.
Mamman emphasized his compliance with previous bail conditions and assured the court of his availability for trial.
He also committed to not interfering with witnesses in the case.
The EFCC, represented by A. O. Mohammed, did not oppose the bail request but urged the court to ensure conditions that guarantee Mamman’s attendance at trial.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, following his removal from office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The EFCC alleges that he, along with ministry staff, diverted N22 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, using the funds to acquire properties domestically and abroad.
In a related incident, Mamman reportedly collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday.
