Ex-Nigeria Power Minister Saleh Mamman Convicted of Fraud

Key facts

• Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power, convicted on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering.
• Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered the judgment on Thursday, May 7.
• Mamman is accused of diverting N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
• He made an unlawful cash payment of $655,700 (N200 million) for a property.
• Funds were allegedly siphoned through Bureau de Change operators.
• Mamman was removed from office by President Muhammadu Buhari on September 1, 2021.
• Sentencing is deferred to May 13, 2026, with a warrant of arrest issued.
• Mamman had recently purchased a form to contest the governorship election in Taraba State.

Minister Found Guilty in Landmark Corruption Case

A federal high court in Abuja has convicted Saleh Mamman, Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, on a dozen charges of fraud and money laundering. Justice James Omotosho delivered the verdict on Thursday, declaring that the prosecution had established Mamman's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The conviction marks a significant moment in the nation's ongoing efforts to combat corruption within its highest echelons of power. The case centers on allegations that Mamman, while in office, conspired with ministry officials and private companies to misappropriate substantial public funds. These funds were earmarked for critical infrastructure projects aimed at alleviating the country's persistent power supply issues. The judgment comes at a time when public frustration over the nation's erratic electricity supply remains high, a situation the presiding judge directly linked to the actions of officials like Mamman.

Allegations of Diversion and Unlawful Transactions

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought a 12-count charge against Mamman, accusing him of indirectly converting N33.8 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. The former minister, who served under then-President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to September 2021, pleaded not guilty to the charges when arraigned in July 2024. Central to the prosecution's case was the assertion that Mamman engaged in criminal breach of trust concerning funds released by the federal government. Evidence presented to the court indicated that Mamman made a substantial cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to N200 million, for a landed property in Abuja without involving any financial institution. Furthermore, the court heard that a significant portion of the diverted funds was channeled through Bureau de Change operators. These intermediaries allegedly converted the naira into foreign currencies before handing the proceeds to the former minister.

Overwhelming Prosecution, Deficient Defence

Justice Omotosho’s judgment emphasized the stark contrast between the prosecution's evidence and the defence presented by Mamman. The judge described the prosecution's case as "overwhelming" and the defence as "scanty and almost absent." "The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case," the judge stated, underscoring the lack of a robust defence. The EFCC had presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits during the trial to build its case against the former minister. The court's findings suggest a pattern of personal enrichment at the expense of national development. "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," Justice Omotosho remarked, lamenting the continued darkness experienced by Nigerians.

Conviction in Absentia and a Warrant of Arrest

Mamman’s conviction was handed down in his absence from court, a situation that led the judge to postpone sentencing. The court issued a warrant of arrest for the former minister after the EFCC applied for it, aiming to prevent him from absconding. Mamman’s defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that he had lost contact with his client since the judgment date was issued the previous week. He stated that he last knew Mamman's whereabouts the preceding Tuesday, and a personal assistant later claimed the former minister was ill. However, the judge was unconvinced by the defence's plea to adjourn the judgment. indicating Mamman's involvement in political activities, including purchasing a form to contest the governorship election in Taraba State under the All Progressives Congress party for the 2027 general elections. This suggested to the court that Mamman was not incapacitated or genuinely unavailable.

A Legacy of Darkness

Mamman, who was removed from office in September 2021 as part of a cabinet reshuffle, was arrested by authorities in 2021. His tenure as Minister of Power coincided with a period marked by persistent challenges in the energy sector, with little tangible improvement in electricity supply. The judge's remarks directly addressed this failure, expressing disappointment that an individual entrusted with the nation's power sector did not prioritize leaving a positive legacy. "Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today," Justice Omotosho concluded, highlighting the profound impact of such alleged corruption on the lives of ordinary citizens. The deferred sentencing, scheduled for May 13, 2026, leaves a period of uncertainty regarding the final penalty Mamman will face. The issuance of an arrest warrant, however, signals the authorities' intent to bring him to justice.

The bottom line

• Former Nigerian Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been convicted on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering.
• The conviction relates to the alleged diversion of N33.8 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
• Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty, citing overwhelming prosecution evidence and a lack of credible defence.
• Mamman made an unlawful cash payment of $655,700 for a property, bypassing financial institutions.
• The court issued a warrant of arrest for Mamman after he failed to appear for the judgment, with sentencing deferred to May 13, 2026.
• The judge criticized Mamman's actions for contributing to Nigeria's ongoing power supply challenges.