A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in connection with an alleged N33.8 billion money laundering case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the conviction on Thursday, May 7, 2026, after Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling.
Conviction on 12 Counts
Mamman was found guilty on 12 counts related to the diversion and laundering of public funds during his tenure as Power Minister. The charges involved alleged schemes with ministry officials and private companies to divert funds meant for major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric dams.
The EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 documentary exhibits during the trial, which began in July 2024. Mamman had pleaded not guilty to all charges when arraigned.
Absence During Judgment
Notably, the former minister was absent from court at the time of judgment. This prompted EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, to request a bench warrant for Mamman's arrest to ensure his presence at sentencing. The court did not issue the warrant but instead fixed May 13 for sentencing.
The EFCC, via its official X account, expressed concerns that Mamman might attempt to evade justice by leaving the country before the sentencing date.
Anti-Corruption Efforts
This case is part of broader anti-corruption prosecutions targeting former public officials in Nigeria's power sector. The conviction marks a significant step in holding high-profile individuals accountable for financial misconduct.
Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021. He was initially arrested by the EFCC in 2021 but released on bail. The trial has been ongoing since 2024.
Related Cases
In a separate development, a US federal jury in Ohio convicted three individuals over a $215 million global email fraud scheme that defrauded over 1,000 victims across 47 US states and 19 countries. Authorities said 25 defendants have been convicted in total, with seizures including cash, cryptocurrency, luxury watches, and property.
Additionally, Nigerian Chidozie Okeke was arrested in Brooklyn after a confrontation with immigration officers, highlighting ongoing international efforts to combat fraud involving Nigerian nationals.
