By Daily Review Online
Saleh Mamman has been convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the EFCC proved its case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt on all 12 counts filed before the court.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of illegally diverting public funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
The court also found him guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without passing through any financial institution, contrary to financial regulations.
According to the judgment, a significant portion 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.
Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as overwhelming, noting that the defence failed to provide convincing evidence to counter the EFCC’s claims.
The judge further criticised Mamman’s tenure as Minister of Power, saying he failed to leave behind any meaningful achievements in addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges.
“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, adding that the situation explained why many Nigerians still suffer from poor electricity supply.
Mamman was absent from court when the judgment was delivered. His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since the judgment date was communicated, adding that his personal assistant later claimed he was ill.
Efforts by the defence to delay the judgment were rejected by the court.
Justice Omotosho also referred to reports indicating that Mamman had recently remained active in politics and had obtained a governorship nomination form to contest the Taraba State governorship election.
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed with the judgment despite the defendant’s absence.
Following the conviction, the court granted the EFCC’s request for a warrant of arrest against Mamman and adjourned sentencing until May 13, 2026.
The EFCC had arrested the former minister in 2021, months after he was removed from office. During the trial, the anti-graft agency presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits.
Investigators alleged that Mamman and some ministry officials diverted about ₦22 billion meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects and used the funds to acquire luxury assets both within and outside Nigeria.