Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has dismissed a no-case submission filed by Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power under the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had been able to establish a case against Mamman.
Justice Omotosho held that the evidence tendered was such that the defendant must proffer some explanations, or put in a defence to the allegation made against him, especially considering the seriousness of the offences.
The judge, however, said that Mamman was still innocent until proven guilty.
The EFCC had brought a 12-count amended charge against the ex-minister as sole defendant.
The commission, in July 2024, arraigned Mamman on alleged money laundering and conspiracy with officials at the ministry and some private companies to “indirectly convert” the sum of ₦33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
The former minister, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The anti-graft agency, in proving its case, called 17 prosecution witnesses (PWs) and tendered 43 exhibits against the defendant before closing its case.