CBI News reports that Nigeria’s anti-graft war took a dramatic turn as a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted former Power Minister Saleh Mamman over the diversion of ₦33.8 billion linked to major hydroelectric power projects, with the court ordering his arrest after he failed to appear for judgment.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count charge bordering on fraud and money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding the former minister guilty of illegally diverting public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion.

The court also found Mamman guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700 — equivalent to about ₦200 million — for a landed property in Abuja without using any financial institution, in violation of financial regulations.

According to the judgment, funds earmarked for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project were diverted through Bureau de Change operators, converted into foreign currencies, and allegedly handed over to the defendant.

Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as “overwhelming,” stating that the defendant failed to present any credible defence to counter the allegations.

The judge also criticised the former minister’s performance in office, lamenting Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis.

“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. Little wonder Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” the judge stated.

Mamman was absent in court when the judgment was delivered, prompting the court to grant the EFCC’s application for a warrant of arrest.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister’s whereabouts had been unknown since the judgment date was announced, adding that Mamman’s personal assistant later claimed he was ill.

However, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), urged the court to proceed, insisting there was no valid reason for the defendant’s absence.

The court also referenced reports that Mamman had recently remained politically active and allegedly purchased a governorship nomination form ahead of the 2027 Nigerian General Elections.

The former minister, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arrested in 2021, months after his removal from office.

During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits, alleging that over ₦22 billion meant for key power projects was diverted and used to acquire luxury assets within and outside Nigeria.

The court has fixed May 13, 2026, for sentencing.

#SalehMamman #EFCC #PowerMinister #AbujaCourt #NigeriaNews #Corruption #MoneyLaundering #MambillaProject #ZungeruProject #BuhariGovernment #PoliticalCorruption #BreakingNews #NigeriaPolitics #ElectricityCrisis #FraudCase