Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman on 12 Counts Over N33.8bn Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power under President Muhammadu Buhari, on all 12 counts of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday.

The conviction covers the diversion of approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds allocated for two major hydroelectric projects — the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant. Money earmarked for national infrastructure ended up in the pockets of bureau de change operators who converted it to foreign currencies before handing it over to Mamman.

The Details of the Case

Justice Omotosho held that “the prosecution successfully proved the allegations against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.” The EFCC had charged Mamman in case number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

The court also found him guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700 — roughly ₦200 million — for an Abuja property without going through a financial institution, in direct violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.

There was a dramatic twist in court. Mamman failed to appear for his own judgment. His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told Justice Omotosho that all attempts to reach his client had failed. “My Lord, the defendant is not in court. We received a message that the matter is for judgment and it was delivered on Tuesday. And since then, we have been trying to reach him but all efforts made have not been successful,” Ahmed said.

What Comes Next

Sentencing has not yet been fixed. The conviction is a significant outcome in a case that dragged through the courts while the Mambilla project — one of Nigeria’s most long-delayed infrastructure ambitions — remained unfinished. Nigerians watching this case know exactly what those billions were supposed to be used for.

Sources: Sahara Reporters, BusinessDay, Legit.ng