A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of participating in the diversion of public funds meant for major electricity projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower schemes.
According to the court, large sums were allegedly siphoned through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currency and handed it over for personal use.
One of the specific findings was that Mamman made a cash payment of $655,700 (about ₦200 million) for a property in Abuja without using any financial institution, a move the court described as part of the illicit transactions.
Justice Omotosho said the evidence presented by the EFCC was strong and largely unchallenged.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge held.
He also criticised the former minister for failing to use his office to improve Nigeria’s struggling power sector, saying instead of leaving a meaningful legacy, he benefited personally from public funds.
“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 added.
Mamman was not present in court when the judgment was delivered. His absence prompted the court to delay sentencing and consider a warrant of arrest.
His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts were unknown, claiming he had been unwell, though the prosecution questioned the explanation.
EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) urged the court to proceed, arguing that Mamman had no valid reason for failing to appear.
The case against him dates back to his arrest in 2021, shortly after he was removed from office. The EFCC called 17 witnesses and presented 43 exhibits during the trial, alleging that about ₦22 billion meant for power projects was diverted.
The court has adjourned further proceedings on sentencing, with the EFCC pushing for his arrest pending the next steps in the case.
