From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh, on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in a case bordering on the alleged diversion of funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering judgement on Thursday, held that the EFCC successfully proved that the former minister conspired with officials of the Federal Ministry of Power and used Bureau de Change operators and proxy companies to divert and launder public funds running into ₦33.7 billion.
The court found that the prosecution established beyond reasonable doubt that funds released by the Federal Government for the execution of the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects were systematically siphoned, misapplied, and converted into personal assets by the defendant and his associates.
According to the court, the EFCC proved that at least ₦22 billion was directly traced to fraudulent diversion involving the former minister and his cronies, adding that the defence failed to provide credible evidence to counter the prosecution’s case.
“The prosecution has established that at least ₦22 billion was siphoned by the defendant and his cronies. The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case”, Justice Omotosho held.
The EFCC prosecuted the former minister on allegations that he abused his office by approving and facilitating illegal cash transactions, including a $655,700 (about ₦200 million) cash payment for landed property in Abuja, conducted outside the formal banking system.
He was also accused of criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, alongside ministry officials and intermediaries, in diverting funds meant for national electricity infrastructure projects into private accounts and asset acquisitions within and outside Nigeria.
The anti-graft agency told the court that investigations revealed a pattern of laundering through Bureau de Change operators, who converted large sums of public funds into foreign currency and delivered same to the defendant and his network of associates.
EFCC further alleged that the proceeds of the fraudulent transactions were used to acquire choice properties and other assets while the power projects suffered delays and underfunding.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, condemned the conduct of the former minister, stating that instead of using his office to improve Nigeria’s electricity supply, he allegedly exploited the system for personal enrichment.
“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. Nigerians have remained in darkness till today”, the judge said.
The court also noted that the defendant’s absence during the delivery of judgement was deliberate and intended to frustrate proceedings. Consequently, Justice Omotosho ordered the issuance of a warrant of arrest for Mamman Saleh ahead of his sentencing.
The former minister, who was not in court when the verdict was delivered, is to be produced for sentencing fixed for May 13, 2026.
Counsel to the defendant, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that his client’s whereabouts had been unknown since notice of judgement was issued, adding that he was reportedly unwell. The application to defer judgement was rejected.
EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to proceed with judgement, arguing that the defendant’s absence was unjustified despite indications he had been active in public and political engagements.
The EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial, all of which the court relied upon in reaching its decision.
The case has been adjourned to May 13, 2026, for sentencing and further orders.
