It is important to state clearly that at no point during the proceedings did the court order Engr. Saleh Mamman to be remanded in prison custody. The report by Sahara Reporters is not only false but also grossly irresponsible
The statement
The former Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman, has debunked claims made in a recent report by Sahara Reporters, describing it as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to malign the former Minister’s reputation.
The report, published on Monday, April 14, 2025, and titled “Court Remands Ex-Power Minister Saleh Over Alleged N33 Billion Fraud,” alleged that Engr. Mamman was remanded in prison custody following proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja. However, in a strongly worded rejoinder issued by his media aide, Malam Jameel Bala Muhammed, the claim was described as “a blatant misrepresentation of court proceedings and a desperate attempt to mislead the public.”
This is contained in a rejoinder issued, signed by Malam Jameel Bala Muhammed, the Media Aide to the former Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman and made available to TimeNigeria in Abuja clarified that no remand order was issued by the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, during the court session. Instead, the matter was simply adjourned to May 2, 2025, for the continuation of a trial-within-trial aimed at determining the admissibility of Mamman’s statement to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“It is important to state clearly that at no point during the proceedings did the court order Engr. Saleh Mamman to be remanded in prison custody. The report by Sahara Reporters is not only false but also grossly irresponsible,” the statement read.
The media aide further noted that Sahara Reporters did not have any representative in the courtroom and questioned the outlet’s journalistic integrity for publishing unverified information. “The publication did not mention the name of the supposed prison where the former Minister was allegedly remanded. This omission further exposes the fictitious nature of the story,” the aide added.
The statement accused Sahara Reporters of engaging in “yellow journalism,” with a track record of biased reporting aimed at character assassination. It challenged the news outlet to provide verifiable court documents, audio, or video evidence to back up its claims.
Engr. Saleh Mamman, according to the aide, remains committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing legal process and upholding the principles of justice. The statement also hinted that the former Minister reserves the right to pursue legal action against Sahara Reporters for the reputational damage caused by the publication.
The rejoinder has since drawn attention to the need for more responsible journalism and factual reporting within the Nigerian media space, especially when reporting on sensitive judicial matters.