The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed July 2 for ruling on the EFCC’s motion seeking final forfeiture of additional five properties linked to convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to Federal Government.
Justice James Omotosho fixed the date after EFCC lawyer, Abbas Muhammed, and Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the motion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the properties are Walijam Apartments, located at No.43, Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; and Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited, Located at No 5, Amana Crescent, New Estate Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State.
Others are a mansion located at No 11, Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another mansion on No 13, Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja and A.U.A. Plaza, situated on Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
When the case was called, Mr Atteh, who appeared for the ex-minister, sought the permission of the court to address the issue of affidavit of facts leading to the judgement filed on May 22 by one of the lawyers in his chamber.
The senior lawyer said though he was not around when the application was filed, he apologised to the court on behalf of the junior counsel.
“I want to apologise for this and I want your lordship to grant a pardon to us.
“I am the leader of the team and I will want my lord to permit me to move an application for its withdrawal so that it can be struck out,” he prayed.
The prosecution lawyer, Muhammed, did not opposed the application.
Justice Omotosho said though he doubted if Atteh was aware of the drafting of the affidavit when it was filed, the judge directed the lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, to address him.
“Give him the phone let me hear him if he is sober,” the judge said.
But Atteh said Ahmed was not in court.
The lawyer, who said Ahmed’s absence was not out of disobedience to order of court, said he was absent because he was indisposed.
“I am sorry my lord,” he said.
The judge, thereafter, struck out the affidavit of facts, having been withdrawn.
Muhammed then informed the court that he had an application seeking an order for final forfeiture of five properties of the former minister.
He said the motion on notice was filed on May 25 and that the defence had been served.
Atteh acknowledged the receipt of the application.
He said a counter affidavit had also been filed.
“Are you ready to move it?” the judge asked.
