Nigerian Court Rejects Delay Tactics in Former Minister's N31 Billion Fraud Trial
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has rebuffed attempts by defense lawyers to stall proceedings in the high-profile fraud trial of Nigeria's former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who faces allegations of financial crimes exceeding N31 billion (approximately $71 million). The judge's intervention highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts as the country attempts to hold senior officials accountable for alleged misconduct during their tenures in government.
Background and Context
The trial represents another significant case in Nigeria's protracted fight against high-level corruption, particularly within the power sector, which has historically been plagued by mismanagement and financial irregularities. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's primary anti-graft agency, has increasingly pursued cases against former government officials as part of a broader effort to address systemic corruption that has hampered the country's development for decades. The power sector, in particular, has received substantial international investment and funding, making allegations of large-scale fraud particularly concerning for Nigeria's economic development and foreign investment climate.
Key Figures and Entities
Saleh Mamman, who served as Nigeria's Minister of Power from 2019 to 2022, is the principal defendant in the case. He is joined by seven co-defendants: Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusila. According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the accused face nine charges including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretense, and intent to defraud.
The prosecution is led by Rotimi Oyedepo, representing the EFCC, while Temitayo Sonuyi serves as counsel to the second defendant. The proceedings are overseen by Justice Maryann Anenih of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Legal and Financial Mechanisms
The defense has employed procedural tactics that the judge characterized as attempts to delay the trial. Sonuyi filed applications on December 5 and December 10, 2025, challenging both the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter. However, Justice Anenih declined to entertain these applications during the January hearing, noting that the court had insufficient time to review the materials and that not all processes had been properly filed.
"I have listened to both parties. However, reading the prayers, I cannot take the prayers in the application when I have not seen or read it. It is not ripe for hearing at this point, and the final process is not in the case file before me," the judge stated, emphasizing the need for proper processing of applications to allow for meaningful consideration.
The EFCC prosecutor informed the court that they had already responded to the jurisdictional challenge, noting that the second defendant was served with a counter-affidavit on January 6, 2026. Moments before the hearing, the defense had filed a fresh response to this counter-affidavit.
International Implications and Policy Response
The case highlights both progress and persistent challenges in Nigeria's anti-corruption framework. While the EFCC's willingness to prosecute a former cabinet member demonstrates institutional commitment to accountability, the defense's delay tactics reflect ongoing obstacles to timely justice in high-profile corruption cases. International development partners and investors have long identified corruption in Nigeria's power sector as a significant impediment to addressing the country's chronic electricity shortages, which have hampered economic growth and development.
The trial's outcome could signal Nigeria's resolve in combating corruption at the highest levels, potentially influencing future investment decisions and international cooperation. The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index has consistently ranked Nigeria among countries with significant corruption challenges, making high-profile prosecutions particularly important for demonstrating governmental commitment to reform.
Justice Anenih adjourned the matter to February 18, 2026, for ruling on the pending applications, with trial continuation scheduled for March 11 and March 25, 2026.
Sources
This report is based on court proceedings from the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja and official statements from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The information reflects the January 2026 hearing in the case involving former Power Minister Saleh Mamman and seven co-defendants facing charges related to alleged financial crimes exceeding N31 billion.
