A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Kuje prison pending the consideration of his bail application.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Thursday following the resumption of Mamman’s arraignment on charges of money laundering. The former minister pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC has filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman, alleging that he committed offences involving a total of N33 billion. According to the anti-graft agency, Mamman conspired with ministry staff responsible for the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects to divert about N22 billion.

Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021, was arrested and detained by the EFCC on May 10, 2021. He was subsequently sacked by Buhari on September 1, 2021, alongside the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, in a cabinet restructuring.

The investigations by the EFCC uncovered properties linked to Mamman both in Nigeria and overseas. Additionally, millions of naira and dollars were reportedly recovered during the probe.