Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Mamman Over N33.8bn Fraud

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over a N33.8 billion fraud linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, holding that the anti-graft agency proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between August 2019 and September 2021, was prosecuted for alleged money laundering and conspiracy involving funds earmarked for critical power projects.

The EFCC had arraigned the former minister in July 2024, accusing him and some ministry officials of diverting public funds through private firms and Bureau de Change operators.

According to the prosecution, large sums meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects were converted into foreign currencies and handed over to the defendant.

Delivering judgment, the court held that evidence before it showed Mamman paid $655,700 in cash, equivalent to about N200 million, for a property in Abuja without using any financial institution.

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

“The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” the judge said.

He added that instead of addressing Nigeria’s electricity crisis, the former minister enriched himself with public funds.

“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 held.

“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today.”

The EFCC presented 17 witnesses during the trial and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.

Mamman, however, was absent in court during the judgment.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that efforts to reach the former minister after notice of the judgment was issued had failed, adding that a personal assistant later informed him that his client was ill.

Ahmed subsequently sought an adjournment, but the request was turned down.

Justice Omotosho cited reports suggesting that the former minister had recently participated in political activities, including the purchase of a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.

Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed with the matter, arguing that no reasonable explanation had been given for Mamman’s absence.

Following his conviction, the court issued a warrant for the ex-minister’s arrest and adjourned sentencing until May 13.