A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved its case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts contained in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was accused of illegally diverting public funds meant for major power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
According to the court, the former minister also violated financial regulations by making a cash payment of $655,700 — equivalent to about ₦200 million — for a property in Abuja without going through a financial institution.
Justice Omotosho further held that part of the diverted funds was allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to the defendant.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge stated.
“The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case.”
The judge also criticised Mamman’s performance while serving in office, saying he failed to improve Nigeria’s struggling power sector.
“Rather than creating a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens,” the judge said.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today.”
Mamman was absent in court during the delivery of the judgment, prompting the EFCC to request a warrant for his arrest.
His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since Tuesday after notice of the judgment date was issued. He later informed the court that Mamman’s aide claimed the former minister was ill.
However, efforts by the defence team to delay the judgment were rejected by the court.
Justice Omotosho noted reports that Mamman had recently been involved in political activities in Taraba State, including the purchase of a governorship nomination form.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the judgment despite the defendant’s absence.
“My Lord should go ahead. If the judgment is in his favour, we know what to do. If it is against him, we also know what to do,” Oyedepo said.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after he was removed from office by former President Buhari.
During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits as evidence.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Mamman worked with ministry officials to divert about ₦22 billion originally allocated for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power projects.
Investigators also claimed the stolen funds were used to acquire expensive properties and assets both in Nigeria and abroad.