Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12 count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds amounting to about N33.8 billion.
Justice James Omotosho, while delivering judgment on Thursday, ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission successfully proved its case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
The court held that at least N22 billion was siphoned through fraudulent transactions involving Mamman and his associates.
Justice Omotosho condemned the former minister for allegedly diverting funds meant for critical power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects, for personal use.
According to the judge, the former minister prioritised personal enrichment instead of addressing Nigeria’s long standing electricity challenges.
The court described the alleged diversion of public funds as shameful and blamed such actions for worsening the country’s power supply problems.
Justice Omotosho also stated that the convict attempted to conceal his involvement through the use of proxy companies and accomplices but was eventually linked to the transactions through investigations carried out by the EFCC.
The judge commended the anti graft agency for what he described as a detailed and diligent investigation that produced strong evidence before the court.
The prosecution called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial before closing its case.
According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that Mamman and his associates diverted funds originally allocated for hydroelectric power projects and allegedly used the money to acquire luxury assets within and outside Nigeria.
The court, however, postponed sentencing until May 13 after the former minister failed to appear in court for the judgment.
His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that he had not been able to reach his client and was informed that the former minister was ill.
The prosecution opposed the explanation, arguing that no medical evidence was provided to support the claim.
Justice Omotosho later ordered security agencies to arrest and produce Mamman in court on the next adjourned date for sentencing.
The judge also referenced reports indicating that the former minister had recently been involved in political activities, including purchasing a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after he was removed from office by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
