Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, barred defence counsel Femi Atteh, SAN, from presenting subpoenaed witness Abdulkareem Ibrahim Ozi as a defence witness in the N33.8 billion fraud trial of former Power Minister Saleh Mamman.
Omotosho ruled that Ozi, previously called as prosecution witness PW2 on November 12, 2024, had already testified, tendered documents, and been cross-examined, making his recall procedurally improper without a formal written application.
The judge noted the approach was “strange and not known to our jurisprudence,” but allowed the defence option to seek proper cross-examination.
During proceedings slated for Mamman’s defence, Atteh orally requested Ozi testify on documents like PW B1, B2, B3 needing clarification.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, objected, calling it an abuse of process since Ozi was discharged after full testimony, with no specifics on surprise documents despite prior disclosure.
Omotosho discharged Ozi from the stand, directing any defence recall via formal notice.
Defence counsel confirmed case closure, with the matter adjourned to April 13, 2026, for adoption of final written addresses.
