The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, the court held that the prosecution successfully established its case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
Mamman, who served during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was convicted on all counts in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024 over the alleged diversion of approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
The court further held him liable for making a cash payment of $655,700, said to be about ₦200 million, for the purchase of a property in Abuja without routing the transaction through a financial institution.
Justice Omotosho further held that the former minister breached public trust over funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
According to the court, a large portion of the funds was allegedly diverted through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to the defendant.
“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.
Justice Omotosho criticised the former minister for failing to improve the nation’s power sector while in office.
“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.
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” he added.
