Court Bars Saleh Mamman's Lawyer from Witness Recall

On Thursday, November 12, 2024, Justice Jame Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, ruled against an oral application by Femi Atteh, the defense counsel for former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman, to recall a prosecution witness, Abdulkareem Ibrahim Ozi, who had previously testified. The defense sought to strengthen their case by cross-examining the witness, arguing that certain documents required clarification.

However, Justice Omotosho stated that the procedure was unknown to law and inconsistent with established judicial practice. The prosecution, represented by Rotimi Oyedepo, objected to the motion, describing it as an abuse of court process.

The judge subsequently discharged the witness from the box and directed the defense to file a formal written application instead of relying on a subpoena. The matter has been adjourned to April 13, 2026, for the adoption of the final written address.