Ex-Power Minister Convicted of N33.8B Fraud in Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Abuja convicted former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman on Thursday of 12 counts of fraud and money laundering involving N33.8 billion in diverted public funds. Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, finding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had proved its allegations beyond reasonable doubt.

Mamman, who served from August 2019 to September 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was accused of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to siphon funds allocated for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. Prosecutors alleged that approximately N22 billion was laundered through bureau de change operators, who converted the money into foreign currency. The funds were used to acquire properties in Nigeria and abroad, including a cash payment equivalent to N200 million for land in Abuja without involving a financial institution.

The judge described the prosecution's evidence as overwhelming, noting that the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits. "The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution's case," Omotosho stated. He...