Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Convicted of ₦33.8bn Fraud and Money Laundering
A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12‑count charge of fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.
Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Mamman guilty of illegally diverting public funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
The court also found that Mamman used the funds for personal gain, including paying $655,700 (about ₦200 million) in cash for landed property in Abuja—beyond the legal limit—and acquiring luxury assets in Nigeria and abroad.
Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as “overwhelming,” saying Mamman failed to offer any credible defence, while the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits to support the case.
Meanwhile, the judge has adjourned the matter to May 13 for sentencing as the defendant was not present in court during Thursday’s proceedings. The judge has also issued a warrant for his arrest to ensure he is present for his sentencing.
Saleh Mamman served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021.
His downfall began in 2021 when then President Muhammadu Buhari removed him from office, opening the door for an independent review of his tenure. The sack followed rising allegations of financial impropriety linked to power‑sector projects under his watch.
Mamman was first arrested on May 10, 2021, when he was taken into custody and detained at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja shortly after being removed from office as Minister of Power.
He was later re‑arrested and detained again in May 2023 by the EFCC over an alleged ₦22 billion fraud, which later expanded into the broader ₦33.8 billion case that led to his recent conviction.
Three years later, the EFCC formally charged Mamman in court on July 11, 2024, accusing him of conspiracy, abuse of office, and the unlawful diversion of about ₦33.8 billion through a network of private companies.
Prosecutors alleged that he colluded with ministry officials and private firms to convert public funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects, describing his actions as a criminal breach of trust.
The court initially granted Mamman a ₦10 billion bail bond, with two sureties in the same amount, while his lead counsel, Femi Ate (SAN), filed a final written address challenging the EFCC’s evidence and insisting on his client’s innocence.
The former power minister had recently sought a political comeback, announcing in April that he had obtained APC governorship expression‑of‑interest and nomination forms for Taraba State.
