Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Over Money Laundering

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 amended counts bordering on money laundering.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, successfully proved its case against the former minister beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, was prosecuted over the alleged diversion of funds linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The court ruled that the former minister conspired with ministry officials and private firms to divert public funds meant for critical power sector projects.

Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as overwhelming, noting that the defence failed to provide credible arguments to counter the allegations.

According to the court, large sums of the diverted funds were moved through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing them over to the former minister.

The judge also criticised Mamman’s stewardship of the power sector, saying Nigerians continued to suffer poor electricity supply despite the huge resources allocated to the ministry.

Mamman was absent during the judgment, forcing the court to postpone sentencing. Following the conviction, the EFCC applied for a warrant of arrest.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since Tuesday, when notice of the judgment was issued, adding that an aide later claimed he was ill.

However, the court dismissed the explanation, citing reports that Mamman had recently participated in political activities, including obtaining a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.

EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed with the judgment despite the defendant’s absence.

The anti-graft agency had accused Mamman of diverting about ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits, alleging that part of the diverted funds was used to acquire properties within and outside Nigeria.