By A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count charge of money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.
According to a statement obtained from the official EFCC website, Judge James Omotosho, delivered the judgment on Thursday, May 7, despite the absence of the defendant. He noted that court, under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, has the discretionary power to proceed with the judgment
Mamman was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations that he laundered ₦33,804,830,503.73 linked to funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects.
“That you, SALEH MAMMAN {Male), sometime in 2019, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Court, whilst you were the Minister of Power conspired with other officials of your Ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert the total sum of =N=33,804,830,503.73
“{Thirty-Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, and Seventy-Three Kobo) through various private companies which sums you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, to wit: criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria; and you thereby commit an offence contrary to Sections 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 {as Amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act,” count one reads.
According to the charges, the former minister conspired with ministry officials and private companies in 2019 to divert the funds through various entities, in what prosecutors described as proceeds of unlawful activity. He was also accused of authorising a cash payment of $665,700 outside the formal banking system in violation of financial regulations.
“That you, SALEH MAMMAN (Male), sometime in December 2019, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Court, conspired with SAMSON BITRUS to make a cash payment of US$665, 700:00 (Six Hundred and Sixty-Five Thousand and Seven Hundred United States Dollars) to MOHIBA INVESTMENT LTD (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution, and that you thereby commit an offence contrary to Sections 1 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as Amended), and punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the same Act,” count two reads.
The court proceedings took a dramatic turn when Mamman failed to appear for judgment. Defence counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that efforts to reach his client were unsuccessful, adding that he was reportedly ill. However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, challenged the claim, noting the absence of any medical report.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Omotosho criticised the defence’s explanation and proceeded to convict Mamman on all counts.
The court subsequently adjourned sentencing to May 13, 2026, and granted the prosecution’s request for a bench warrant to ensure the arrest of Saleh Mamman and his appearance in the court.
