Concerns are mounting over the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Engineer Sale Mamman, as various groups question the motives behind the case.
Critics, particularly in Taraba State, as noticed by The Guardian, are arguing that the trial may be more about damaging Mamman’s reputation than serving justice.
One of the vocal groups, Justice for All, in a world press conference held over the weekend in Jalingo, the state capital, demanded a fair trial.
The group’s position, as observed by our reporter, aligns with Mamman’s supporters, who have previously described the case as politically motivated.
Mamman is currently facing a 12-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accuses him of laundering over N33 billion during his tenure as Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021.
However, Justice for All and other supporters argue that the alleged contradictions in the prosecution witnesses’ testimonies cast doubt on the credibility of the allegations.
The group, led by its state coordinator, Umaru Sani, and its secretary, Gideon Ibrahim, cited a key prosecution witness who, under cross-examination, admitted to handling money from the Ministry of Power but only learned from the EFCC that the funds were allegedly linked to Mamman.
Additionally, the group pointed out that another prosecution witness, described as Mamman’s former personal assistant, testified that he stopped working for the ex-minister in September 2021.
“Yet, the same witness admitted to collecting money from Bureau De Change operators between 2019 and 2023—some of which occurred after Mamman had left office.”
Further controversy, according to them, arose during Wednesday’s hearing when another prosecution witness reportedly denied ever meeting or conducting transactions with Mamman, raising further doubts about the case.
Vowing to continue advocating for fairness, justice for All urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure the real culprits are identified. The group argued that the inconsistencies in witness statements suggest Mamman may be innocent.
As the trial progressed, the group also called on the judiciary to uphold fairness and resist any external pressures that could influence the case.
