Keypoints
- The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count charge of money laundering and conspiracy.
- Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution established the siphoning of at least N22 billion from funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power projects.
- A warrant of arrest was issued against Mamman following his absence from the courtroom during the delivery of the judgment.
- The court found that Mamman used proxy companies and bureau de change operators to convert public funds into private use between 2019 and 2021.
- Sentencing has been scheduled for May 13, 2026, pending the production of the convict in court by the EFCC.
Main Story
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has convicted Saleh Mamman, Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, for money laundering totaling N33.8 billion.
In a judgment delivered on Thursday, the court held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mamman diverted massive sums intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power projects.
Although the initial charge cited N33.8 billion, the judge noted that the established theft of at least N22 billion was sufficient to sustain the conviction.
The court highlighted a complex web of money laundering involving bureau de change operators and Mamman’s former Personal Assistant, Misbahu Idris, known as “Yaron Minister.”
Evidence showed that billions of naira were transferred to proxy accounts and converted into US Dollars for the ex-minister’s personal use.
Justice Omotosho criticized the “sheer greed” of the defendant, noting that his actions contributed to the country’s “epileptic power supply” while he lived a lavish lifestyle at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.
Mamman, who recently obtained a nomination form to run for the Taraba governorship in 2027, was absent during the proceedings, prompting the judge to issue an immediate arrest warrant.
The Issues
- The diversion of funds from the Mambilla and Zungeru projects has directly stalled critical infrastructure intended to solve Nigeria’s power crisis.
- The defendant’s absence from court and his counsel’s inability to reach him were described by the judge as an attempt to “arrest the judgment” and delay justice.
- The case underscores the recurring challenge of high-level corruption within the Ministry of Power and the use of the bureau de change sector to mask illicit financial flows.
What’s Being Said
- “The prosecution has established that, at least, N22 billion naira was siphoned by the defendant and his cronies. This is sufficient to sustain the charge,” said Justice James Omotosho.
- “For a defendant, who held a critical position such as Ministry of Power… the defendant began siphoning and converting monies for serious projects into private pockets. Little wonder that Nigeria has remained in darkness now,” the judge added.
- “The defendant is now a convict my lord and we urge your lordship to issue the arrest warrant,” stated Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, lead counsel for the EFCC.
What’s Next
- The EFCC is tasked with executing the arrest warrant to produce Mamman in court for his scheduled sentencing.
- Sentencing is set to take place on May 13, 2026, where the court will determine the length of imprisonment and potential asset forfeitures.
- The conviction may legally disqualify Mamman from his indicated intention to contest the 2027 governorship race in Taraba State under the APC.
Bottom Line
Former Minister Saleh Mamman has been declared a convict for laundering billions intended for national power projects, with the court now awaiting his arrest to finalize sentencing.
