Supporters demand fairness in ex-power minister’s corruption trial

Supporters of former Minister of Power, to Saleh Mamman, have called on the judiciary to ensure fairness in his ongoing corruption trial, asserting that recent witness testimony clears him of any wrongdoing.

Their appeal follows last Wednesday’s court proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a prosecution witness from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) testified.

The witness, according to the supporters, confirmed that the CBN managed a project account on behalf of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), a statement Mamman’s supporters argue absolves him of financial misconduct.

During cross-examination by defense counsel Femi Atte, SAN, the witness, as made known by them, acknowledged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had requested details regarding the Ministry of Power’s financial transactions, which the CBN subsequently provided.

According to Mamman’s supporters, this process indicates proper financial oversight, reinforcing their stance that the former minister was not involved in fraudulent activities.

In a statement signed by their spokesperson, Musa Abdullahi Maigari, on Tuesday in Taraba state, they emphasized that the witness’s statement that the CBN handled the account solely under directives from the Accountant General’s Office implied that Mamman had no direct control over the financial transactions in question.

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Based on these details, the supporters insist that the allegations against him are baseless and have urged the court to clear his name.

Additionally, they have called on those they believe are behind his legal troubles to halt what they describe as undue persecution.

The group also praised the presiding judge, expressing hope for a fair judgment while raising concerns that Mamman’s reputation is being unfairly tarnished.

Supporters, who claimed to spread across Taraba and beyond, voiced frustration over the trial, linking it to Mamman’s past statement that no funds were allocated for the Mambilla power project. They insist that justice must prevail, urging the judiciary to ensure an impartial ruling as the trial progresses.