By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power, on all 12 counts of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the trial on Thursday, held that the EFCC successfully proved the ex-minister’s culpability beyond reasonable doubt.
Mamman, an engineer from Taraba State, served as Minister of Power from August 21, 2019, to September 1, 2021, under former President Muhammadu Buhari before he was removed in a major cabinet reshuffle. He was arraigned by the EFCC in July 2024 on a 12-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving the sum of N33.8 billion allegedly diverted from funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects.
The anti-graft agency accused him of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to indirectly convert the funds through various channels. During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.
The conviction of the former minister marks a significant victory for the EFCC in its prosecution of high-profile public officials over alleged corruption in the power sector. Sentencing is expected to be announced by the court in
due course.
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