Court Stops Mamman`s Counsel From An Unauthorized Witness In Alleged 33.8bn Fraud Case

Court stops Mamman`s counsel from an unauthorized witness in alleged 33.8bn fraud case. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Thursday, February 26, 2026, in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, stopped a defence counsel , Femi Atteh, SAN from using an unauthorized witness.

Omotosho held that a subpoenaed witness, Abdulkareem Ibrahim Ozi was already a prosecution witness in the matter as Pw2 and cannot be called at the instance of the court to stand as a defence witness.

“What I know is that, a witness having testified in court, even though he is a witness of the court, having been cross-examined by the other party, he can’t be called to give evidence without reason. This procedure is strange and not known to our jurisprudence. However, the defence is not foreclosed to call him for cross- examination” he said.

Earlier in the proceedings, the matter which was slated for the defendant to enter his defense had the defence counsel pray the court that the subpoenaed witness should testify as a defence witness even though he has been called by the prosecution.

“I don’t mind taking an oral application for the witness that is on subpoena before the court. There are documents to which he is the maker that deserves clarification that will help the defense, like PwB 1,2,3″ he said

However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN objected, stating that the process is not only strange but an abuse of court process.

Court

“ My lord, I am a prosecutor and not a persecutor that represents everyone. On November 12, 2024, I led evidence with this witness, as Pw2, he brought documents, was cross examined and the court discharged him. The learned counsel sought a judicial decision to call this witness, this process is not only strange but an abuse of court process.

The defence has not told us what aspect of the exhibit needs cross examination. When we were conducting our case, we gave them documents in advance, so which documents are they referring to so that we are not taken by surprise”, he said

Justice Omotosho discharged the witness from the witness box, further stating that if the defence wanted to use him as their witness, they should request properly in writing by way of an application of notice, not using him at the instance of the court by way of subpoena.

Responding, defense counsel told the court that they have closed their case.

The matter was adjourned to April 13, 2026 for the adoption of final written addresses.

CAS Kelvin Aneke Congratulates Air Vice Marshal Eyekosi On Book Launch

CAS Kelvin Aneke congratulates Air Vice Marshal Eyekosi on book launch. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has congratulated Air Vice Marshal Sampson Eyekosi on the successful launch of his book, Managing the Displaced, on behalf of all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the Nigerian Air Force.

Represented by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal A. Martins, the CAS described the publication as timely and aligned with the Service’s enduring commitment to strategic leadership, operational excellence and comprehensive approaches to national security.

The book, which explores practical frameworks for addressing displacement within conflict and post-conflict environments, reinforces the NAF’s philosophy of purposeful leadership and mission-oriented innovation.

CAS Kelvin Aneke Congratulates Air Vice Marshal Eyekosi On Book Launch

AVM Eyekosi’s scholarship exemplifies the Air Force’s commitment to leveraging air power in support of humanitarian response, strengthening national security and advancing sustainable development.

The launch underscores the Nigerian Air Force’s continued dedication to intellectual capacity, professional development and integrated solutions to evolving security challenges.

Alleged N1.5b Ecological Fund Fraud: Former Niger Governor To Know Fate On No -Case Submission May 8

Alleged N1.5b Ecological Fund Fraud: Former Niger Governor to know fate on No -case submission May 8. Justice Yeliam Bogoro of the Federal High Court Lagos, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, set May 8, 2026 for ruling on the no- case submission, filed by a former governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu and his co-defendant, Umar Muhammed Nasko.

Thursday’s proceeding was for adoption of final addresses by the prosecution counsel, Faruk Abdallah, counsel for the first defendant, Y. Kalamu and Mamman Mike Osuman, SAN, for the second defendant.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is prosecuting Aliyu alongside Nasko, a former Commissioner for Environment, Parks, Gardens and Forest Resources, on an eight-count charge, bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and conversion of ecological funds to the tune of N1,509,791,200.00 (One Billion, Five Hundred and Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-one Thousand, Two hundred Naira).

In their reply on the no- case submission of the defendants, the prosecution counsel informed the court that he filed his response on February 5, 2026, adding that the defendants were arraigned before the court on April 28, 2017, on eight-count charges, bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.

The prosecution counsel also informed the court that the prosecution in proof of its case, called 11 witnesses and tendered several exhibits. “At the close of the prosecution’s case, the first defendant opted to make a no -case submission.

Court

The first defendant filed a written no- case submission on 18th December 2025. In response thereof, the prosecution has filed this address and adopts the same as its response,” he said.

On the no -case submission of the second defendant, the prosecution counsel observed that “At the close of the prosecution’s case, the second defendant opted to make a no-case submission. The second defendant filed a written no- case submission on November 23, 2025.”

Justice Bogoro adjourned the matter till May 8, 2026 for ruling on the no-case submission.