An investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abubakar Kwaido, has told a Federal High Court in Abuja that former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, gave multiple confessional statements freely during an investigation into a ₦33.8 billion money laundering case linked to the Mambilla Power Project.
Testifying in a trial-within-trial on Thursday, Kwaido said the statements were made without any form of pressure or intimidation, and were always given in the presence of Mamman’s lawyers or trusted associates.
“I was surprised to hear that he was threatened,” Kwaido said. “As shown in the videos, the defendant and his lawyer were smiling. He gave all his statements personally, either written or dictated.”
Kwaido outlined the dates the statements were made, including May 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 19, and August 3 and 9, 2023. He also named those present on each occasion, confirming that Mamman was never left alone during interrogation.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is facing 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion allegedly mismanaged in connection to the Mambilla hydropower project.
His lawyer, Femi Atteh (SAN), challenged the admissibility of the statements, claiming they were obtained under duress. However, EFCC’s lead counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), insisted the confessions were legally obtained.
After hearing both sides, Justice James Omotosho admitted the statements into evidence and adjourned the matter to Friday, June 27, 2025, for further cross-examination.
