Abuja, Nigeria – July, 2025 — In a dramatic twist at the resumed hearing of the alleged N33.8 billion fraud case, the embattled defendant, Mr. Bernard Mammah, has accused his legal counsel of misrepresentation before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
Mr. Mammah, who is facing multiple charges related to conspiracy, money laundering, and criminal diversion of public funds, stunned the courtroom when he publicly distanced himself from statements allegedly made on his behalf by his defence team.
According to courtroom sources, Mammah raised objections during the proceedings, stating that certain submissions by his lead counsel, Barrister Tunde Ogunleye, were neither discussed with nor authorised by him. He claimed that his position had been misrepresented, and requested the court to allow him the opportunity to either clarify the issues himself or be granted a change of legal representation.
“I was not consulted on some of the decisions presented to this honourable court,” Mammah said, prompting murmurs across the gallery.
Presiding Judge, Justice Binta Kolawole, adjourned the session to allow the defendant time to formally address the issue and potentially reconstitute his legal team. The judge expressed concern over the development and urged all parties to act within the bounds of legal ethics and fairness.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is prosecuting the case, maintained that the charges against Mammah remain strong and are supported by financial trail evidence and witness testimonies.
The trial, which has drawn national attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud, is expected to continue in the coming weeks with closer scrutiny on the defence’s strategy following this latest courtroom drama.