A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over a N33 billion fraud and money laundering case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt in the 12-count amended charge brought against the former minister.
The court found Mamman guilty of illegally diverting funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the former minister violated anti-money laundering laws by making large cash payments for properties, including a reported payment of $655,700 for a property in Abuja, without using a financial institution.
“The evidence of the prosecution witnesses is quite believable,” the judge said, adding that the former minister failed to effectively challenge allegations of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust levelled against him by the EFCC.
The court further held that at least N22 billion was diverted from funds allocated to the power projects. Justice Omotosho described the development as “shameful,” noting that the funds were meant to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges.
Mamman was absent during the delivery of the judgment. His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister was ill and that efforts to reach him had been unsuccessful. However, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the judgment, arguing that no medical report was presented to justify his absence.
The court subsequently adjourned sentencing to a later date, while the EFCC sought a warrant for his arrest.
Mamman served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 before he was removed from office by the Buhari administration amid allegations of financial misappropriation. He was later arraigned by the EFCC in July 2024 on charges bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and abuse of office.
