Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgement, held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding the former minister guilty on a 12-count charge bordering on fraud, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust, preferred against him.
The court ruled that Mamman illegally diverted public funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects during his tenure under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Justice Omotosho also found him guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about N200 million, for a property in Abuja without passing through any financial institution, contrary to financial regulations.
According to the court, evidence presented by the EFCC showed that large sums of money were routed through Bureau de Change operators, converted to foreign currencies, and subsequently delivered to the former minister.
Describing the prosecution’s evidence as overwhelming, the judge said the defence failed to provide convincing evidence to counter the allegations.
The court further criticised the ex-minister for failing to make meaningful contributions toward improving electricity supply in the country.
Rather than leaving a legacy in the power sector, the judge said the defendant “lived lavishly at the expense of Nigerians,” adding that the country’s persistent power challenges reflected the failure of public office holders entrusted with critical national responsibilities.
Mamman was absent in court during the delivery of the judgement. His counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since notice of the judgement date was issued, although a personal assistant reportedly informed him that Mamman was ill.
The trial judge, however, rejected efforts by the defence to delay the judgement, citing reports that the defendant had recently participated in political activities, including the purchase of a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
Following the conviction, the court postponed sentencing and granted the EFCC’s request for a warrant to be issued for Mamman’s arrest.
Justice Omotosho subsequently fixed Tuesday, May 12, for sentencing.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, had urged the court to proceed with the judgement despite the defendant’s absence, insisting there was no valid reason for his failure to appear.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after he was removed from office by former President Buhari.
During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.
Investigators alleged that about N22 billion meant for key hydroelectric power projects was diverted through ministry officials and used to acquire luxury assets within and outside Nigeria.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav).
