- Safiu Kehinde
Embattled former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has accused his lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, of misrepresenting his statement while being summoned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This was disclosed in a statement issued on the EFCC’ official X handle on Thursday.
According to the statement, the ex-Minister of Power made the allegation on Wednesday at the resumption of his trial before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Recall that Mamman is being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on a 12-count bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33.8 billion.
According to the statement, Mamman who doubled as first defence witness while being led in evidence by his counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), at the Wednesday proceeding, recalled that he went to EFCC`s office on February 20, 2025 with his lawyer when EFCC`s prosecutors interviewed him.
During cross examination by prosecution Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the defendant disclosed that he authorized his Mohammed to write his statements on his behalf which he signed.
Mamman however accused the lawyer of fabricating some portion of the statements, claiming that he was not sure if all he said was what his lawyer wrote.
When asked to identify from the statement exhibits the fabricated portion of the statement, he added that he couldn’t remember.
The ex -Minister however confirmed that as at the time of his invitation, there was no maltreatment, threats of imprisonment on the part of EFCC officials.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to July 15, 2024 for adoption of written addresses.