The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has secured the conviction of former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman after the Federal High Court in Abuja found him guilty of fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the prosecution successfully proved all 12 charges against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt. The court convicted Mamman on every count contained in the charge filed against him.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of illegally diverting public funds allocated for major power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects. According to the court, a significant portion of the funds was channelled through Bureau de Ce operators and converted into foreign currencies.
The court also held that Mamman violated financial regulations by making a cash payment of 655,700 dollars equivalent to about ₦200 million for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution. Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as overwhelming and criticised the defence for failing to present credible arguments against the allegations.
In his remarks, the judge lamented that instead of focusing on improving electricity supply and leaving a positive legacy in the power sector, the former minister allegedly enriched himself while Nigerians continued to suffer poor electricity supply.
Mamman was absent during the judgment proceedings. His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that the former minister’s whereabouts were unknown and claimed he was ill. However, the court refused to delay the judgment despite the defence request.
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed, insisting there was no valid reason for the defendant’s absence. The court has postponed sentencing while the EFCC seeks a warrant for Mamman’s arrest.
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