Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja over the illegal diversion of funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the former minister guilty on all 12 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering.
The court found that Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, diverted public funds totalling about ₦33.8 billion.
Justice Omotosho also held that the former minister made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution, contrary to the law.
According to the court, funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects were allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators, converted into foreign currencies and handed over to the defendant.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant”, the judge ruled.
The court further criticised Mamman’s conduct while in office, saying he failed to leave behind meaningful reforms in the country’s power sector.
“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”, the judge added.
Mamman was absent in court during the judgment. His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that his client’s whereabouts had been unknown since notice of the judgment was issued, adding that a personal assistant later claimed he was ill.
However, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed with the judgment, insisting there was no valid reason for the defendant’s absence.
Following the conviction, the court deferred sentencing, while the EFCC applied for a warrant to be issued for Mamman’s arrest.
The anti-graft agency had accused the former minister and some ministry officials of diverting over ₦22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects and using the proceeds to acquire properties within and outside Nigeria.
