A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts bordering on money laundering involving over N33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday after finding the former minister guilty of laundering funds amounting to N33,804,830,503.73 during his time in office.
The conviction followed prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies in 2019 to divert funds released by the Federal Government for major power infrastructure projects.
One of the charges read in court alleged that the former minister “conspired with other officials of your Ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert the total sum of N33,804,830,503.73 through various private companies,” funds the prosecution said were proceeds of unlawful activities tied to criminal breach of trust.
Another count accused Mamman and one Samson Bitrus of making a cash payment of $665,700 to Mohiba Investment Ltd without passing through a financial institution, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.
The former minister was absent during the delivery of judgment, a development that drew sharp reactions in court. Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that efforts to reach his client had failed after receiving notice that judgment would be delivered.
“My Lord, the defendant is not in court. We received a message that the matter is for judgment, and it was delivered on Tuesday,” Ahmed said.
He added: “Since then, we have been trying to reach him (Mr Mamman), but all efforts made have not been successful. But yesterday, one of his associates informed us that he is indisposed.”
However, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, challenged the claim, arguing that no medical report or documentary evidence was presented before the court to substantiate the excuse.
Oyedepo urged the court to proceed with the judgment under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, which allows proceedings in certain circumstances despite the absence of a defendant.
Justice Omotosho also questioned the explanations offered by the defence regarding Mamman’s whereabouts.
“The defendant is not here, and there is no medical report to back this. We are all ministers in the temple of justice counsel,” the judge stated during proceedings.
After convicting Mamman on all 12 counts, the court deferred sentencing until May 13, 2026, due to the defendant’s absence. The court also granted the EFCC’s request for a bench warrant to compel the former minister’s appearance and prevent any attempt to evade sentencing.
