The Federal High Court Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 amended counts bordering on money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Despite Mamman’s absence in court, the judge proceeded with the ruling and found him guilty on all counts after evaluating the evidence presented by the anti-graft agency.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power between August 2019 and September 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was prosecuted over allegations of financial misconduct linked to major power infrastructure projects.
The charges are connected to alleged diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project and the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project.
The EFCC accused Mamman of conspiring with certain officials and private firms to divert public funds allocated for key electricity projects in the country.
Delivering his ruling, Justice Omotosho said he was satisfied with the prosecution’s evidence, which he held established the case against the former minister.
The court’s decision marks a significant development in one of Nigeria’s high-profile corruption cases involving former top government officials in the power sector.
Further details on sentencing and subsequent proceedings are expected to be released later.
