Saleh Mamman Challenges EFCC Charges Citing Double Jeopardy

Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, has filed a motion in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to quash a nine-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mamman contends that he has already been tried and convicted by the Federal High Court for offences related to the same transaction.

He was convicted on May 7, 2026, in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, which involved similar allegations of obtaining by false pretence.

In his motion, marked M/8214/26 and filed on May 14, 2026, Mamman invokes Section 36(9) of the 1999 Constitution, which protects against double jeopardy. He seeks two reliefs: to quash the current charges and to be discharged and acquitted on all counts.

His legal representative, Femi Atteh, SAN, argues that the ongoing prosecution violates Mamman's constitutional rights, as the allegations stem from the same facts as his prior conviction. The case also raises questions about why co-defendants in the hydro-power project were not charged earlier.