The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over the alleged diversion and laundering of about ₦22bn linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The former minister, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, was absent in court during the judgment.
The EFCC had accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private firms to divert public funds meant for critical power projects.
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the anti-graft agency proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant. The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” the judge ruled.
The court heard that most of the diverted funds were allegedly routed through Bureau de Change operators and converted into foreign currencies before being handed over to the former minister.
Justice Omotosho also faulted Mamman’s stewardship in the power sector, saying his tenure failed to leave meaningful impact on electricity supply in the country.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” the judge added.
Following the conviction, the court deferred sentencing due to Mamman’s absence, while the EFCC applied for a warrant of arrest against him.
Counsel for the former minister, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that Mamman’s whereabouts had remained unknown since last Tuesday when notice of the judgment was issued, adding that his aide later claimed he was ill.
However, the trial judge dismissed the excuse, citing reports that the former minister recently participated in political activities in Taraba State.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, urged the court to proceed with the judgment despite 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 Buhari.
During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits to support allegations that the ex-minister diverted funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that proceeds of the fraud were used to acquire properties within and outside Nigeria.
