The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of money laundering linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the verdict on Thursday in Mamman’s absence, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found the former minister guilty on all counts.
Mamman served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to September 2021. The EFCC accused him of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert about ₦22 billion meant for the power projects and launder it through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the funds into foreign currency before handing them over to him.
Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as “overwhelming” and the defence as “scanty and almost absent.”
“The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” the judge said. He also criticized Mamman’s tenure, saying a man who controlled the nation’s power sector “showed no interest in leaving a meaningful legacy.”
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” Omotosho added.
The court deferred sentencing after Mamman failed to appear. His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, said the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since last Tuesday when notice of the judgment was issued, and that his aide said he was ill.
The judge rejected the request for an adjournment, citing media reports that Mamman had recently been engaged in political activities, including buying a form to contest the Taraba State governorship election.
EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo urged the court to proceed, saying the defendant’s absence was unjustified. The anti-graft agency has since applied for an arrest warrant.
The EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial. Investigators alleged that the diverted funds were used to acquire properties both in Nigeria and abroad.
Mamman was first arrested in 2021, four months after Buhari removed him from office.
