Mamman Ali Re-Arraigned Over Alleged ₦2.2 Billion Subsidy Fraud

Court Adjourns Case to April 15 for Final Written Addresses

Mamman Ali, son of a former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ahmadu Ali, has been re-arraigned before a Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja over his alleged involvement in a ₦2.2 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

Ali was re-arraigned alongside a Sierra Leonean national, Christian Taylor, and Nasaman Oil Services Limited. The trio had earlier faced a 49-count charge relating to conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, forgery, and the use of falsified documents.

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EFCC’s Case Against Mamman Ali and Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had initially arraigned the defendants in 2012, accusing them of violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006 and the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

The case, which has dragged on for years, took a new turn as the EFCC presented a fresh 57-count amended charge against the accused individuals. The charges include:

• Fraudulently obtaining public funds
• Forging financial documents
• Misrepresentation of facts in the subsidy scheme

The fuel subsidy fraud case is part of a larger crackdown by the EFCC on oil companies and individuals who allegedly exploited Nigeria’s subsidy program, leading to billions of naira in fraudulent claims.

Defendants Plead Not Guilty

During their latest court appearance before Justice Mojisola Dada, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following their plea, Seiduh Atteh, the EFCC’s legal counsel, formally informed the court about the amended charges. He then requested the court to allow the defendants to enter a fresh plea, which the defense counsel did not oppose.

With both parties in agreement, Justice Dada adjourned the case to April 15, 2025, for the adoption of final written addresses.

Background of the Fuel Subsidy Fraud Case

The fuel subsidy program was initially designed to reduce the cost of petroleum products for Nigerians by compensating oil marketers for importation expenses. However, over the years, the scheme has been plagued by corruption, with several individuals and companies allegedly submitting false claims to siphon public funds.

In 2012, the federal government launched investigations into fraudulent subsidy claims, leading to the prosecution of several oil marketers, including Mamman Ali and Nasaman Oil Services. The EFCC alleged that the defendants forged documents to claim subsidy payments without actually importing the required petroleum products.

The case has undergone multiple legal proceedings, with delays attributed to legal technicalities and amendments to the charges. The latest development marks a crucial phase, as the court prepares to hear final written submissions before delivering its verdict.

Implications of the Trial

The re-arraignment of Mamman Ali and his co-defendants reflects Nigeria’s continued fight against corruption, particularly in the oil sector. The fuel subsidy fraud has significantly impacted Nigeria’s economy, leading to massive revenue losses.

If convicted, the defendants could face lengthy prison sentences, as well as substantial fines and asset forfeitures. The case also serves as a warning to other individuals and companies engaged in fraudulent activities within the petroleum industry.

Conclusion: Awaiting the Court’s Decision

With the court adjourning the case to April 15 for the adoption of final written addresses, all eyes are now on Justice Mojisola Dada’s ruling. The EFCC is expected to push for a conviction, while the defense will attempt to clear the defendants of all charges.

As Nigeria continues its battle against corruption, the outcome of this case could set a major precedent for future financial crime prosecutions in the country.