Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count charge of fraud and money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of diverting about ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that the former minister unlawfully paid $655,700 in cash for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution, in violation of financial regulations.
The court further convicted Mamman for criminal breach of trust involving funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects. According to the judgment, much of the money was routed through Bureau de Change operators and converted into foreign currencies before being handed to the defendant.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge said, adding that Mamman failed to present credible evidence to challenge the case against him.
Justice Omotosho also criticised the former minister’s stewardship of the power sector, saying he failed to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges while allegedly enriching himself with public funds.
Mamman was absent from court during the delivery of the judgment. Following his absence, the court approved the EFCC’s request for a warrant of arrest and postponed sentencing until May 13, 2026.
Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that Mamman’s whereabouts had been unknown since the judgment date was communicated last week. He later said the defendant’s aide informed him that the former minister was ill.
However, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed, arguing that there was no valid reason for Mamman’s absence. The judge also referenced reports that the former minister had recently obtained a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after his removal from office by former President Buhari. During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits, alleging that billions of naira meant for key power projects were diverted to acquire luxury assets within and outside Nigeria.
