The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over an alleged ₦33.8 billion fraud was stalled on Monday, February 23, after his defence team failed to produce a scheduled witness before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The proceedings, held before Justice James Omotosho at the Maitama division of the court, were adjourned following an application by the defence counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN.
Atteh informed the court that efforts to subpoena the defence witness were unsuccessful because the individual was unavailable at his office. He consequently requested more time to secure the witness’s appearance.
Justice Omotosho granted theand adjourned the matter until February 26, 2026, when the defendant is expected to open his defence.
Mamman is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of ₦33,804,830,503.73.
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The anti-graft agency alleges that the funds were unlawfully handled during Mamman’s tenure as Minister of Power. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Monday’s development marks another delay in the high-profile trial, which has drawn significant public attention given the scale of the alleged fraud and its implications for Nigeria’s power sector — a critical industry that continues to grapple with funding gaps and infrastructure challenges.
The EFCC disclosed the adjournment in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, reiterating its commitment to prosecuting financial crimes and ensuring accountability in public office.
With the next hearing date now set, legal observers say the focus will shift to whether the defence can successfully present its case and how swiftly the court will move toward concluding the trial.