An Abuja Federal High Court has granted bail to the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is facing charges related to a N33 billion fraud. Justice James Omotosho, presiding over the case, set the bail at N10 billion, requiring two sureties of equal sum.

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The conditions for the sureties include ownership of landed properties in Abuja valued at a minimum of N750 million, submission of three-year tax clearance certificates, and an affidavit of means.

Additionally, both Mamman and the sureties must provide certified copies of their bank statements and recent passport photographs.

Mamman must also surrender his international passport to the court’s registrar, who will verify all submitted documents before his release from custody.

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Alternatively, the sureties can submit a bank guarantee or bond of N10 billion.

Until these conditions are met, Mamman will remain in prison custody.

The trial is set to continue on September 25.

Mamman, who pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), requested bail on liberal terms through his lead lawyer, Femi Ate, SAN.

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His bail application, filed on July 11, referenced constitutional provisions and sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.

Mamman emphasized his compliance with previous bail conditions and assured the court of his availability for trial.

He also committed to not interfering with witnesses in the case.

The EFCC, represented by A. O. Mohammed, did not oppose the bail request but urged the court to ensure conditions that guarantee Mamman’s attendance at trial.

Mamman was arrested in 2021, following his removal from office by then-President Muhammadu Buhari.

The EFCC alleges that he, along with ministry staff, diverted N22 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, using the funds to acquire properties domestically and abroad.

In a related incident, Mamman reportedly collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday.

The House of Representatives has issued a directive to the police and other security agencies to cease the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists in Nigeria.

The House urged these agencies to adhere to Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act 2015 (as amended) and to prosecute individuals, including journalists, in court if they violate any laws, rather than infringing on their constitutional rights.

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This directive followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep Clement Jimbo during the plenary session on Thursday.

Rep Jimbo emphasized that freedom of the press is a fundamental right enshrined in Section 39 Sub-Section (1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

He highlighted that this right ensures journalists can report news without fear of arrest or persecution.

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“Freedom of the press is sine qua non of democracy; it serves as an essential ingredient for holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency. Moreover, journalism is regarded as the Fourth Estate of the Realm,” Jimbo stated.

He expressed concern over the increasing number of journalists being unlawfully arrested, detained, and harassed under the guise of cyber-stalking offenses within the Cybercrimes Act 2015.

“Between 2015 and 2024, there have been incessant unwarranted arrests, unlawful detention, and various forms of harassment and intimidation of at least 25 journalists in the course of their duty, threatening the very fundamental pillar of democracy and culminating in a breach of their constitutionally guaranteed rights to free speech,” Jimbo noted.

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He also mentioned that earlier this year, the president signed an amended act with substantial adjustments to Section 24, clarifying what constitutes cyber-stalking and the associated punishments.

However, law enforcement agents have reportedly ignored these amendments and continued their clampdown on free speech.

Jimbo pointed out that the arrest of journalist Mr. Ojukwu in March 2024, shortly after World Press Day, was particularly disturbing.

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He noted that such actions have contributed to Nigeria being rated as one of West Africa’s most dangerous places to practice journalism, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The lawmaker warned that these arrests could lead to a worsening climate for investigative and independent journalism in Nigeria, damaging the country’s democratic reputation.

In response, the House of Representatives adopted the motion and urged the passage of laws to strengthen press freedom protections.

They also called for inquiries into recent cases of journalists’ detention and diplomatic efforts to pressure the government to respect press freedom.

The House mandated its Committee on National Security to ensure compliance with these directives.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a call to the 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to “immediately account for and return the local government funds they have collected over the years.”

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This demand follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling on Thursday, which declared the practice of state governors and the FCT minister withholding and utilizing funds intended for local governments as unconstitutional.

Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s deputy director, praised the Supreme Court’s decision in a statement on Thursday, noting, “We applaud the Supreme Court for this groundbreaking decision which will end the persistent alleged misappropriation of trillions of FAAC allocations or public funds meant for local governments.”

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Oluwadare continued, “Following the Supreme Court judgment, there is now a clear legal precedent to hold governors and the FCT minister accountable for how they have spent the local government funds collected by them.”

He emphasized, “Implicit in the Supreme Court judgment is the requirement for the governors and FCT minister to immediately account for and return the funds meant for local governments but retained and used or allegedly misused by them.”

“Accounting for and returning the LGA funds collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.”

SERAP warned that if the governors and FCT minister do not account for and return the funds meant for local governments within seven days, the organization will consider appropriate legal actions to compel compliance in the public interest.

Highlighting the public interest, SERAP stressed the necessity for transparency and accountability in the handling of local government funds since 1999.

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The organization said, “accounting for and returning the local government funds collected would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods, and enhance the ability of local governments to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”

SERAP pointed out that the 36 states and the federal capital territory have reportedly collected over N40 trillion in federal allocations intended for the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

Specifically, the Federation Account Allocation Committee disbursed N225.21 billion in federal allocations meant for local governments to states in November 2023, and another N258.81 billion in December 2023.

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The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, had filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Federal Government seeking to grant full autonomy and direct funding to all local government councils in the country.

The 36 state governments, represented by their attorneys general, challenged the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction in this matter.

On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Federal Government, setting a precedent for the financial autonomy of local governments across Nigeria.

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara announced on Wednesday that his administration is already preparing the 2025 budget, dismissing demands from the Martin Amaewhule-led faction of the state House of Assembly to re-present the 2024 budget.

The governor declared that the seats of lawmakers who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) remain vacant.

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During a solidarity visit from leaders, stakeholders, and youth of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas, Governor Fubara described the demands of the pro-Wike lawmakers as mere “noise-making” from delusional individuals.

He emphasized that his administration is focused on progressing smoothly despite the political tussle.

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The lawmakers loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike have been at odds with Fubara over control of the state.

After a failed attempt to remove the governor, which included the demolition of Assembly quarters, the lawmakers defected to the APC.

The PDP responded by declaring their seats vacant, a move supported by a Rivers State High Court.

However, the Court of Appeal in Abuja reinstated Amaewhule and the other lawmakers on July 4.

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They promptly demanded that Governor Fubara re-present the 2024 budget within a week.

In response, the state government approached the court to prevent the state Chief Judge and others from recognizing the reinstated lawmakers while appealing the Court of Appeal’s decision to the Supreme Court.

Governor Fubara firmly stated that there would be no re-presentation of the 2024 budget.

“We have started preparing the 2025 budget, focusing on education, healthcare, and agriculture,” he said, adding that his administration is committed to addressing these key areas to improve the quality of life in Rivers State.

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He also criticized the defected lawmakers, stating, “they are gone, and they are gone. We are not doing any budget to nullify the decision declaring their seats vacant.”

He assured that the 2025 budget would prioritize education, healthcare, and agriculture to ensure sustainable development and job creation for the youth.

The governor reiterated his commitment to standing by the truth and governing the state with integrity, stressing that loyalty should not compromise one’s principles.

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He urged the people of Etche Nation to continue supporting his administration’s vision for advancing the state’s well-being.

In response to concerns about herdsmen attacks and illegal dredging activities, Fubara promised to collaborate with the Nigeria Police to address these issues.

The Etche and Omuma representatives pledged their support for Fubara’s administration, expressing confidence in his leadership.

Meanwhile, the PDP has warned the Amaewhule faction to desist from actions that could disrupt peace and governance in the state.

The party called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure the security and stability of Rivers State.

The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, asserted that the defected lawmakers are no longer part of the state Assembly under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The party urged Rivers residents to remain vigilant and uphold the law to maintain stability and peace in the state, ensuring the continued delivery of democratic dividends.