The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering.
Delivering judgment in suit FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, Justice James Omotosho found the ex-minister guilty on all charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mamman, who served during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was accused of unlawfully diverting public funds totaling about N33.8 billion.
The court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing Mamman’s involvement in the misappropriation of funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that the former minister was guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700 (about N200 million) for a property in Abuja without passing the transaction through a financial institution, in violation of anti-money laundering laws.
The court further noted that part of the diverted funds was allegedly routed through bureau de change operators, who converted the money into foreign currencies before delivering it to the defendant.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge held.
He added that Mamman failed to present credible evidence to challenge the prosecution’s case.
