The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 amended counts bordering on money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the EFCC successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, despite the absence of the former minister in court.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between August 2019 and September 2021, was prosecuted over the alleged diversion and laundering of funds tied to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The EFCC accused the former minister of conspiring with ministry officials and private firms to divert public funds earmarked for critical power infrastructure projects.
Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as compelling, while criticising the defence for failing to effectively challenge the allegations.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant. The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” he held.
According to evidence presented before the court, large portions of the diverted funds were allegedly routed through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before delivering it to Mamman.
The judge also criticised the former minister’s stewardship of the power sector, lamenting the continued electricity challenges facing the country.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” Justice Omotosho added.
Because Mamman was absent during the judgment, the court deferred sentencing. The EFCC subsequently applied for a warrant for his arrest.
Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that Mamman’s whereabouts had been unknown since Tuesday, when notice of the judgment date was issued, adding that the former minister’s aide later claimed he was ill.
However, the court rejected attempts to delay proceedings, citing recent media reports indicating that Mamman had been actively involved in political activities, including purchasing a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed with the judgment regardless of the defendant’s absence.
“My Lord should go ahead. If the judgment is in his favour, we know what to do. If it is against him, we also know what to do,” he said.
Mamman was first arrested in 2021, months after his removal from office by the Buhari administration.
During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits, alleging that approximately ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects was diverted through a network involving ministry officials and private entities.
Investigators further alleged that proceeds from the funds were used to acquire high-value assets both within Nigeria and abroad.
