Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Fraud

The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman on a 12-count fraud and money laundering charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the EFCC successfully proved the case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.

The court convicted Mamman on all counts in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

According to the court, the former minister was involved in the illegal diversion of public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion during his time in office under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The judge found him guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.

He was also convicted for criminal breach of trust linked to funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.

The court stated that much of the diverted money was allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators who converted the funds into foreign currencies before handing them to the defendant.

Justice Omotosho criticised the former minister, stating that instead of leaving a lasting legacy in Nigeria’s power sector, he enriched himself at the expense of citizens.

The judge added that the country’s persistent electricity challenges reflected the failure of public officials entrusted with critical responsibilities.

Mamman was absent during the delivery of judgment.

As a result, the court postponed sentencing while the EFCC requested a warrant for his arrest.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that the defendant’s whereabouts had become unknown after notice of the judgment date was issued.

However, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed, insisting there was no valid reason for the absence.

The judge also referenced reports suggesting that Mamman had recently been involved in political activities connected to the Taraba governorship race.

The EFCC had arrested the former minister in 2021, months after he was removed from office.

During the trial, the commission presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.