By George Ozalla
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts bordering on money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving about ₦33.8 billion linked to key electricity projects under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, noting that the funds in question were meant for critical power infrastructure projects including the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.
The court found that Mamman made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for landed property in Abuja without routing the transaction through a financial institution as required by law.
It also heard that substantial portions of the funds were allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before transferring same to the former minister.
Justice Omotosho, while delivering the judgment, said the evidence before the court was overwhelming, adding that the defendant’s case was weak and lacked credible defence. He further stated that rather than using his office to address Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, the former minister allegedly lived large at the expense of public resources.
Mamman was absent in court at the time of conviction. His counsel informed the court that he was unwell and that his whereabouts were unknown. However, reports indicated that he had obtained nomination forms to contest the governorship election in Taraba State.
Following his absence, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) applied for a warrant of arrest to compel his appearance before the court.
The conviction adds to ongoing high-profile corruption cases being pursued by anti-graft agencies in the country.
Among such cases is the investigation involving former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, who was recently declared wanted by the EFCC over alleged financial misconduct during her tenure.
The case has spotlighted once again the unabating issue of corruption within public service and its impact on critical national infrastructure, particularly the power sector, where Nigeria has continued to struggle with unreliable electricity supply despite repeated reforms and large budgetary allocations.
