Court Convicts Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Money Laundering Charges

Court Convicts Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Money Laundering Charges

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts bordering on money laundering involving over ₦33.8 billion.

Mamman, who was absent in court during Thursday’s proceedings, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations linked to funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects.

According to the EFCC, the former minister and other officials allegedly conspired to convert ₦33,804,830,503.73 through several private companies, funds which investigators said were proceeds of unlawful activities connected to the projects.

One of the charges also accused Mamman of conspiring with Samson Bitrus to make a cash payment of $665,700 to Mohiba Investment Ltd without passing through a financial institution, contrary to provisions of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act.

At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that although the defence had been notified of the judgment date, attempts to reach the former minister had been unsuccessful. He added that one of Mamman’s associates claimed the former minister was indisposed.

However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, challenged the claim, arguing that no medical report or evidence was presented before the court to support the excuse.

Justice Omotosho expressed dissatisfaction over the absence of the defendant and the lack of documentary proof regarding his alleged illness.

“The defendant is not here, and there is no medical report to back this,” the judge stated during proceedings.

The court subsequently delivered judgment, convicting Mamman on all 12 counts of money laundering.

Justice Omotosho, however, deferred sentencing until May 13, 2026, due to the defendant’s absence in court.

Following the conviction, the prosecution applied for a bench warrant to prevent the former minister from fleeing the country before sentencing. The court granted the request and ordered his arrest for production before the court on the adjourned date.

Court Convicts Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Money Laundering Charges