Breaking: Court convicts ex-power minister Mamman of N33.8bn fraud

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, of 12 counts of fraud and money laundering totaling N33.8 billion.

In a judgment delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho, the court found that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proven the charges against the former minister beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mamman, who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of diverting public funds, including the illegal transfer of about ₦33.8 billion.

The court noted that Mamman had made a cash payment of $655,700 (approximately ₦200 million) for landed property in Abuja, bypassing financial institutions. Additionally, the court found him guilty of criminal breach of trust involving funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.

Justice Omotosho criticized Mamman for misappropriating public funds meant for national development and for contributing to the country’s energy challenges, stating that Mamman had failed to leave a lasting legacy in the power sector. “Rather than addressing Nigeria’s epileptic power supply, he lived lavishly at the expense of ordinary citizens,” the judge remarked, adding, “Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness.”

The former minister, who was absent during the conviction, has been elusive since the notice of judgment was issued. His defense lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that Mamman’s whereabouts were unknown but claimed that his personal assistant had stated that he was sick. However, the EFCC’s lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to proceed with the verdict, asserting that there was no valid reason for Mamman’s absence.

Mamman, who was removed from office by President Buhari in 2021, had been actively involved in political activities, including purchasing a governorship nomination form in Taraba State, despite the ongoing trial.

The EFCC had produced 17 witnesses and presented 43 exhibits to support its case, alleging that Mamman had conspired with ministry staff to divert about ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. Investigations revealed that Mamman used the funds to acquire luxury assets both in Nigeria and abroad.