The Federal High Court on Thursday convicted former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman on 12 amended counts bordering on money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Despite Mamman’s absence from court, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and found the former minister guilty on all counts.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between August 2019 and September 2021, was prosecuted over the alleged diversion and laundering of funds linked to the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The EFCC accused him of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert public funds earmarked for power sector projects.
Justice Omotosho said he was satisfied with the evidence presented by the prosecution, describing the case against Mamman as overwhelming.
“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 said.
The court heard that much of the diverted money was channelled through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the funds into foreign currencies before handing them over to the former minister.
Justice Omotosho also criticised Mamman’s stewardship of the power sector.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” the judge said.
Because Mamman was absent during the proceedings, the court deferred sentencing, prompting the EFCC to apply for a warrant for his arrest.
His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that Mamman’s whereabouts had been unknown since Tuesday, when notice of the judgment date was issued, adding that the defendant’s personal assistant later claimed he was ill.
Ahmed’s request for an adjournment was rejected.
The judge questioned the explanation for Mamman’s absence, citing reports that the former minister had recently participated in political activities, including purchasing a governorship nomination form in Taraba State.
EFCC counsel 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.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, about four months after he was removed from office by former President Buhari.
The EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial, alleging that Mamman conspired with ministry officials to divert about ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
According to the agency, investigations showed that the diverted funds were used to acquire luxury assets within and outside Nigeria.
