Dare Babalola
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.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved the case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of illegally diverting public funds meant for key power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plants.
The court also found that the former minister made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution, contrary to financial regulations.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
“The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” the judge added.
According to the court, a large portion of the diverted funds was moved through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to the defendant.
Justice Omotosho criticised Mamman for failing to leave a positive legacy in the power sector.
“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,” he said.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” the judge added.
Mamman was absent in court when the judgment was delivered. As a result, the court deferred sentencing and entertained an application by the EFCC for a warrant of arrest against him.
Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since notice of the judgment date was issued last Tuesday, adding that a personal assistant later informed him that Mamman was ill.
However, the court rejected efforts to delay the judgment.
Counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed, insisting there was no valid reason for 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,” Oyedepo said.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after he was removed from office by former President Buhari. During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Mamman conspired with ministry officials to divert over ₦22 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla power projects and used the proceeds to acquire assets within and outside Nigeria.
