BREAKING: Court convicts ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman over N33.8bn fraud

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on a 12-count charge, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the former minister who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

The court held that Mamman illegally diverted public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion and also made a cash payment of $655,700, estimated at over ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using any financial institution.

He was equally convicted for criminal breach of trust linked to funds approved by the Federal Government for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.

According to the court, a significant portion of the funds was allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to the former minister.

“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,” Justice Omotosho held.

The judge also criticised Mamman’s performance as minister, saying he failed to make any meaningful impact in solving Nigeria’s electricity problems.

“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 Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” the judge added.

Mamman was absent in court when the judgment was delivered, prompting the court to grant the EFCC’s request for a warrant of arrest.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since the judgment date was communicated last Tuesday, adding that Mamman’s aide later claimed he was ill.

Efforts by the defence to stop the judgment from being delivered were rejected by the court.

Justice Omotosho also referred to reports that Mamman had recently remained politically active and allegedly obtained a governorship nomination form for the Taraba State governorship race.

Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to continue with the proceedings despite 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,” Oyedepo said.

Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after he was removed from office by former President Buhari.

During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and submitted 43 exhibits as evidence.

The anti-graft agency accused the former minister of conspiring with ministry officials to divert about ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power projects.

Investigators also alleged that the diverted funds were used to purchase expensive assets both in Nigeria and abroad.

The court fixed May 12, 2026, for sentencing.