KEY POINTS

• Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman was convicted on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.
• The court found that funds meant for major hydroelectric power projects were diverted through Bureau de Change operators.
• Mamman was absent during judgment, leading the court to defer sentencing while the EFCC sought a warrant for his arrest.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts brought against him.

The former minister, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was accused of illegally diverting public funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.

Court Says Funds Were Diverted Through Bureau De Change Operators

According to the court, large sums of money meant for the power projects were allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators, converted into foreign currencies, and handed to the former minister.

Justice Omotosho also found Mamman guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700 — equivalent to about ₦200 million — for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.

The judge criticised the former minister for failing to improve Nigeria’s electricity sector despite occupying a key public office.

He stated that instead of building a lasting legacy in the power sector, Mamman “was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens,” adding that Nigerians continue to suffer poor electricity supply.

Mamman was absent from court during the judgment.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since the judgment date was announced and later claimed he was ill.

However, the court refused to postpone the ruling after the EFCC insisted there was no valid reason for his absence.

Justice Omotosho noted reports that Mamman had recently participated in political activities and purchased a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.