The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Ministers of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, held that the anti-graft agency successfully established the former minister’s culpability beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found the former minister guilty of illegally diverting public funds amounting to about 33.3 billion naira.
Justice Omotoso held that the former minister made a cash payment of 655’700 dollars for a property in Abuja without using any financial institution.
He was further convicted for criminal breach of trust linked to funds released by the federal government for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The court said much of the money was allegedly routed through bureau de change operators who converted the funds into foreign currencies and handed them to the defendant.
Justice Omotosho said the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence against the former minister Mamman.
The defendant was absent from court when the judgment was delivered.
Following his conviction, the Court deferred his sentencing to 12 May 2026 and the EFCC applied for a warrant of arrest against him.
Counsel to the defendant Mohammed Ahmed told the court that Mamma’s whereabouts had remained unknown since the notice of judgment was issued.
NTA NEWS
