The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the anti-graft agency proved the allegations against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty on all counts in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024 involving the alleged diversion of about ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
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 using a financial institution.
Justice Omotosho further held that the former minister breached public trust over funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
According to the court, a large portion of the funds was allegedly diverted through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to the defendant.
“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,” the judge said.
Justice Omotosho criticised the former minister for failing to improve the nation’s power sector while in office.
“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.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” he added.
Mamman was absent during the judgment, prompting the court to postpone sentencing.
The EFCC subsequently requested the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the defendant’s whereabouts had been unknown since notice of the judgment date was issued last Tuesday.
Ahmed added that Mamman’s personal assistant later informed him that the former minister was ill.
However, the court rejected the request to delay judgment.
Justice Omotosho also referenced reports indicating that Mamman had recently participated in political activities, including obtaining a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the ruling.
“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 he was removed from office by Buhari.
During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.
The commission alleged that the former minister conspired with ministry officials to divert about ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects, with the funds allegedly used to acquire luxury assets within and outside Nigeria.