A Federal High Court judge, Justice Maryann Anenih, has reprimanded the defense counsel, Temitayo Sonuyi, SAN, for engaging in “time-wasting antics” during the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, and seven others, accused of defrauding the Nigerian government to the tune of N31,070,541,349.64.
The accused are facing a nine-count charge that includes conspiracy, false pretenses, and intent to defraud. The tension arose when Sonuyi objected to the commencement of the trial, requesting the court first resolve an application concerning jurisdiction.
Justice Anenih, visibly frustrated, explained that she could not entertain the application as it had not been properly filed, and therefore, it was not ready for hearing. “I have listened to both parties, but I cannot take the application without reviewing it first. It is not ripe for hearing,” she stated, adding that proper procedures should have been followed earlier.
Sonuyi had filed two applications on December 5 and 10, 2025, questioning the appropriateness of the charges and the court’s jurisdiction over the case. Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, countered this by urging the court to proceed with the trial, noting that the witnesses were present and ready to testify. He suggested that the jurisdictional issue be handled later to avoid further delays.
In response, Sonuyi sought permission to withdraw his affidavit, indicating his intent to “put his house in order.” Counsel for the sixth defendant, J. A. Egwaede, also requested an adjournment to review the counter-affidavit served to him only in court that day.
Justice Anenih granted the adjournment to allow all parties to address the jurisdictional matters appropriately. The court scheduled the next hearing for February 18, 2026, with additional dates for ruling and the continuation of the trial set for March 11 and March 25, 2026.
