The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission proved its case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found Mamman guilty of illegally diverting public funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that the former minister made a cash payment of $655,700 for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution, in violation of anti-money laundering laws.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge said.
“The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case.”
The judge criticised the former minister’s handling of the power sector, saying he failed to leave a meaningful legacy despite persistent electricity challenges in the country.
“Rather than creating a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens,” Omotosho added.
Mamman was absent from court during the judgment.
His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister had been ill and his whereabouts were unknown since the judgment date was fixed last week.
However, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed with the judgment.
“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,” Oyedepo said.
The court subsequently issued a warrant for Mamman’s arrest and adjourned sentencing until May 12.
The EFCC had accused the former minister of conspiring with ministry officials to divert about ₦22 billion earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.
During the trial, the anti-graft agency presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits.
