The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count amended charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, all bordering on money laundering.
According to the Punch, Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgment in Mamman’s absence, held that the prosecution had successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently found the former minister guilty on all counts.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to September 2021, was arraigned over allegations involving the diversion and laundering of funds tied to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects.
The EFCC alleged that he collaborated with ministry officials and private sector actors to siphon public funds earmarked for critical power infrastructure projects.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho expressed satisfaction with the evidence presented by the prosecution, describing the defence as virtually non-existent.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant. The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” he held.
The court further heard that a significant portion of the diverted funds was routed through Bureau de Change operators, who allegedly converted the cash into foreign currencies before delivering it to the former minister.
Justice Omotosho also criticised Mamman’s stewardship of the power sector, lamenting the continued challenges in Nigeria’s electricity supply.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” Justice Omotosho added.
Because Mamman was not present in court at the time of judgment, sentencing was postponed. Following the conviction, the EFCC immediately requested a warrant for his arrest.
Mamman’s counsel, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that his client’s whereabouts had been unknown since the previous Tuesday, when the court date was communicated, adding that he had reportedly fallen ill.
However, the court was not persuaded by the explanation, especially after references were made to reports suggesting the former minister had recently been seen engaging in political activities, including obtaining a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed with the matter 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 initially arrested in 2021, about four months after his removal from office by former President Buhari.
During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and submitted 43 exhibits, alleging that Mamman conspired with officials within the ministry to divert approximately ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric projects.
The anti-graft agency further claimed that the funds were traced to the acquisition of luxury assets both within and outside Nigeria.
