In a dramatic turn of events, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in a staggering amount of N10 billion. The bail comes with the condition of two sureties who must provide an equal sum.
The judge delivered his ruling on Mamman’s bail application on Friday, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering amounting to N33 billion.
It is worth noting that Mamman had collapsed within the court premises prior to his arraignment, citing health issues. However, Justice Omotosho declined the defense counsel’s request to reschedule the arraignment for September, citing the court’s busy schedule.
Despite the health setback, Mamman assured the court that he was fit to proceed with the trial and pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when his plea was taken.
The defense counsel had filed a bail application on Thursday, which was unable to be heard at the time.
During Friday’s proceedings, Justice Omotosho granted the defendant bail in the substantial amount of N10 billion, with two sureties required to provide an equivalent sum. These sureties must be property owners within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with a minimum valuation of N750 million.
To further ensure the credibility of the bail, the court directed the sureties to present their three-year tax clearance certificates and provide an affidavit of means. Additionally, both the defendant and the sureties must submit certified copies of their bank statements, accompanied by recent passport photographs.
In a strict condition, Justice Omotosho ordered Mamman to surrender his international passport to the court’s registrar. The registrar will verify all the submitted documents before the defendant’s release from custody.
Alternatively, the court suggested that the sureties could present a bank guarantee or bond worth the sum of N10 billion as an alternative to meeting the bail conditions.
