The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on a 12-count money laundering charge involving the sum of ₦33.8 billion.
Mamman was convicted on Thursday in a judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had proved its case against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
The court found Mamman guilty of the amended charge filed against him by the anti-graft agency.
Justice Omotosho, while delivering the judgment, criticised the former minister for what he described as living large at the expense of Nigerians while he served as Minister of Power.
The judge said Mamman’s conduct formed part of the reasons Nigerians continue to suffer poor electricity supply.
Mamman was not present in court when the judgment was delivered.
When the matter was called, counsel to the convict, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that he had been unable to reach his client since Tuesday, when the notice of judgment was received.
Ahmed said he was informed by one of Mamman’s associates that the former minister was ill, and that this was the reason for his absence in court.
However, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, urged the court to issue a warrant for Mamman’s arrest, arguing that the defence failed to provide credible evidence, including a medical report, to support the claim that he was sick.
Justice Omotosho granted the request and issued a warrant for Mamman’s arrest.
The judge directed the state to locate, arrest and produce him in court on May 5 for sentencing, following his conviction.
Mamman, who was appointed Minister of Power by the late President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2019, was removed from office in September 2021.
The EFCC had prosecuted him over alleged money laundering offences arising from his time in office.
Recall that in December last year, Justice Omotosho dismissed Mamman’s no-case submission, holding that the EFCC had established a prima facie case against him.
The court ruled at the time that the evidence presented by the prosecution was sufficient to require the former minister to enter his defence, particularly given the seriousness of the allegations.
The conviction marks a major development in the corruption case against the former minister, with sentencing now expected after he is produced before the court.
