By Peace Udugba
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, held that the anti-graft agency successfully proved the case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of diverting public funds estimated at ₦33.8 billion.
The court also ruled that he made an unlawful cash payment of $655,700—about ₦200 million—for a property in Abuja without passing through any financial institution.
He was further convicted for criminal breach of trust involving funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects. According to the court, large portions of the funds were allegedly laundered through Bureau de Change operators, who converted them into foreign currency and handed them over to the defendant.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho said the prosecution had presented strong and credible evidence, while the defence failed to rebut the allegations.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge held.
“The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case.”
The court further criticised Mamman’s stewardship of the power sector, noting that his tenure did not produce meaningful improvement in electricity supply.
“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,” Justice Omotosho said.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today.”
Mamman was absent in court at the time of judgment. Following his conviction, sentencing was deferred, while the EFCC applied for a warrant of arrest against him.
His counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts were unknown after he was served notice of judgment. He also claimed Mamman was reportedly unwell, according to his personal assistant.
The defence had sought an adjournment of the ruling, but the request was rejected.
Justice Omotosho also referenced reports suggesting that Mamman had recently been involved in political activities, including obtaining a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the judgment regardless of 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,” he said.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after his removal from office. During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits.
The commission alleged that the former minister conspired with officials of the ministry to divert about ₦22 billion meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects, part of which was allegedly used to acquire properties within and outside Nigeria.
