Taraba concerned citizens have called on the judiciary to ensure fairness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power Alhaji Sale Mamman.

Musa Abdullahi Maigari, spokesperson for the concerned Taraba citizens, said their appeal followed last Wednesday’s court proceedings before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a prosecution witness from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) testified.

The witness, according to Abdullahi Maigari, confirmed that the CBN managed a project account on behalf of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), a statement Mamman’s supporters argue absolves him of financial misconduct.

During cross-examination by defence counsel Femi Atte, SAN, the witness, as made known by them, acknowledged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had requested details regarding the Ministry of Power’s financial transactions, which the CBN subsequently provided.

The group explained that “this process indicates proper financial oversight, reinforcing their stance that the former minister was not involved in fraudulent activities.”

They further emphasised the witness’s statement that the CBN handled the account solely under directives from the Accountant General’s Office, implying that Mamman had no direct control over the financial transactions in question.

The group stated that based on these details, the supporters insist that the allegations against him are baseless and have urged the court to clear his name.

The group also called on those they believe are behind his legal troubles to halt what they describe as undue persecution.

 The group also praised the presiding judge, expressing hope for a fair judgement while raising concerns that Mamman’s reputation is being unfairly tarnished.

According to the group, people in Taraba State and beyond have voiced frustration over the trial, linking it to Mamman’s past statement that no funds were allocated for the Mambilla power project.

 They insist that justice must prevail, urging the judiciary to ensure an impartial ruling as the trial progresses.