Saleh Mamman: Family, Lawyers Call For Due Process

The family and legal representatives of former minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman, have expressed pain, grave concern and disappointment over the circumstances surrounding the recent judgment delivered against the former minister.

The family described several developments connected to the proceedings as troubling, irregular and deserving of comprehensive legal scrutiny.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced Mamman to 75years imprisonment over the allegation of fraud.

Justice Omotosho convicted and sentenced Mr Mamman on 12 counts of N33.8 billion fraud, imposing varying prison terms that he ordered to run consecutively.

Comrade Jamil Bala Muhammad, special assistant on Media to the former minister said the family has profound respect for the judiciary as one of the most sacred pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. It believes that certain procedural developments surrounding the accelerated delivery and service of the judgment have understandably generated widespread public concern, especially given the complex legal questions and unresolved evidentiary issues that arose during the trial.

He said, according to members of the family and close associates monitoring the proceedings, the unusually hurried progression of the final stages of the matter has left many observers shocked and emotionally distressed, particularly in light of issues previously raised by the defence concerning disputed documentation, witness contradictions, disclosure concerns, and questions surrounding direct evidentiary linkage.

He said, “The family states that these developments have created serious emotional trauma not only for relatives and supporters of the former minister, but also for many Nigerians who continue to believe strongly in constitutional fairness, judicial neutrality, and the fundamental principles of due process.

“Most importantly, the family wishes to clarify that the former minister is currently facing serious health challenges and remains under medical attention. His deteriorating health condition has become a major source of concern to relatives, associates, supporters, and well-wishers both within and outside Nigeria.

“At this delicate moment, the immediate priority of the family remains his stabilisation, treatment, and recovery.

“The family, therefore, passionately appeals to Nigerians, religious leaders, civil society organisations, humanitarian stakeholders, and all people of goodwill to remember the former minister in prayers during this difficult period.

“The family further wishes to clarify that the former minister is not in hiding, firmly, has no intention whatsoever of evading lawful processes, and remains fully committed to respecting the institutions of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is important to state clearly that immediately his medical condition sufficiently improves and his doctors certify him fit enough to proceed, he will personally make himself available to the appropriate authorities in accordance with the law.

“Meanwhile, the legal team representing the former minister has commenced a comprehensive review of the judgment and surrounding legal processes. Following the conclusion of this detailed legal assessment, the defence team will, within the ambit of the law, pursue all available constitutional and appellate remedies necessary to challenge aspects of the decision found to be inconsistent with established principles of fair hearing and procedural justice.

“The family insists that this period should not be exploited for political sensationalism, media persecution, or premature conclusions capable of inflaming public sentiment against a man who has not exhausted his constitutional rights of appeal.

“They further caution against narratives capable of creating the impression of guilt before the completion of all judicial processes provided under Nigerian law.

“At this critical time, the family is appealing for compassion, restraint, and responsible institutional conduct from all stakeholders, particularly within the media and political space”.