The family and legal representatives of former Minister of Power, Engineer Saleh Mamman, have expressed concern and disappointment over the judgment that sentenced the former minister to 75 years imprisonment over fraud allegations.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had convicted Mamman on 12 counts relating to an alleged N33.8 billion fraud and imposed varying prison terms to run consecutively.
Reacting to the judgment, the family described aspects of the proceedings as troubling and said some developments surrounding the trial required further legal scrutiny.
In a statement issued by Comrade Jamil Bala Muhammad, Special Assistant on Media to the former minister, the family said it remained respectful of the judiciary and its constitutional role but expressed concern over what it described as the accelerated handling of the final stages of the matter.
The statement said the pace of the proceedings raised public concern given the legal and evidentiary issues earlier raised by the defence team.
“While the family maintains 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,” the statement said.
It added that relatives and associates monitoring the case were distressed by what they considered unresolved issues relating to documentation, witness testimonies and evidentiary linkage.
“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,” the statement added.
The family also disclosed that the former minister was currently facing serious health challenges and remained under medical care.
According to the statement, his health condition had become a major source of concern to relatives, supporters and associates within and outside the country.
“At this delicate moment, the immediate priority of the family remains his stabilization, treatment, and recovery,” it stated.
The family appealed to Nigerians, religious leaders, civil society groups and other stakeholders to remember the former minister in prayers during the period.
It further clarified that Mamman was not in hiding and had no intention of evading legal processes.
“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,” the statement said.
The family disclosed that the legal team had commenced a review of the judgment and would pursue appellate remedies within the provisions of the law.
“The defence team will, within the ambit of the law, pursue all available constitutional and appellate remedies necessary to challenge aspects of the decision considered inconsistent with established principles of fair hearing and procedural justice,” it added.
The family also cautioned against what it described as political sensationalism and premature conclusions while the former minister’s constitutional right of appeal remained open.
It appealed to the media and political actors to exercise restraint and avoid narratives capable of prejudicing ongoing legal processes.
