By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned post-conviction proceedings in the ₦33.8 billion fraud case involving former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to June 24, 2026. Justice James Omotosho fixed the date on Wednesday after defence counsel Mohammed Ahmed failed to appear in court. The judge directed Ahmed to explain statements contained in an affidavit he filed against the court. The case concerns the forfeiture of assets allegedly linked to Mamman following his conviction and imprisonment.
Lawyer’s Absence Stalls Proceedings
At the resumed hearing, defence lawyer Suleiman Yakubu informed the court that Ahmed was ill and could not attend proceedings.
Yakubu apologised for previously leaving the courtroom without notice. He explained that Ahmed had been battling a persistent cough that had not responded to treatment.
According to him, Ahmed travelled to his village to seek further medical attention.
However, Justice Omotosho questioned the basis of Yakubu’s suggestion that the illness could be tuberculosis. Yakubu replied that the condition had persisted despite several medications.
Consequently, the court granted the request for an adjournment and fixed June 24 for further hearing.
Prosecution Rejects Defence Explanation
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) criticised the defence team’s conduct.
He expressed concern over what he described as repeated delays in the matter.
“This is what we kept complaining about. We are counsel in the temple of justice, my Lord,” Oyedepo told the court.
He argued that the forfeiture application was already ripe for hearing. He also accused the defence of deploying delay tactics.
Nevertheless, he agreed to the adjournment granted by the court.
Controversial Affidavit Raises Questions
During the June 8 proceedings, Oyedepo reminded the court that the matter was scheduled for hearing on the prosecution’s motion for consequential forfeiture.
However, Justice Omotosho drew attention to a counter-affidavit filed by Mohammed Ahmed on behalf of Mamman.
The affidavit allegedly stated that the judge delivered the May 7 judgment after becoming “enraged.”
Oyedepo informed the court that he had not been served with the document.
As a result, the judge directed Yakubu to immediately provide a copy to the prosecution.
Background to Mamman’s Conviction
The court convicted Mamman on May 7, 2026, on all 12 counts filed against him.
Justice Omotosho sentenced him to 75 years imprisonment in absentia.
Following the judgment, the court ordered his arrest.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later apprehended him in Kaduna and produced him before the court on May 26.
The court subsequently ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he is serving his sentence.
EFCC Seeks Forfeiture of Additional Assets
Meanwhile, the EFCC filed an application seeking the forfeiture of newly discovered assets allegedly connected to Mamman.
The properties listed in court documents include:
- Walijam Apartments, Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.
- Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited, Amana Crescent, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State.
- Mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
- Mansion at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
- A.U.A. Plaza, Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The court was expected to hear the application earlier. However, defence counsel reportedly exited the courtroom without notice during the May 26 sitting.
That development forced the court to adjourn the matter to June 8 before fixing the latest date of June 24.
