Court convicts ex-Power minister Saleh Mamman over N33.8bn fraud

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

• …orders his arrest for not attending count 
• …schedules sentencing for May 13

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on a 12-count charge of money laundering in which he is accused of diverting about N33.8billion public funds.

Justice James Omotosho, in a  judgement on Thursday, held that the prosecuting agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) effectively prove its case against Mamman beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.

Justice Omotosho came down hard on Mamman for living large when he was Minister at the expense of Nigerians, noting that his action contributed to the country’s inability to overcome its power supply challenge.

The judge said, “The prosecution has established that, at least, N22 billion naira was siphoned by the defendant and his cronies.”

He held that Mamman’s conduct of diverting funds meant for other purposes such as the Zungeru and Mambila Hydroelectric Power Project to his own use was quite unfortunate.

Justice Omotosho said, “The sheer greed of the defendant and his comrades in crime is nothing but a downright shameful thing. 

“For defendant, who held a critical position such as Ministry of Power, rather than being concerned with creating a legacy of solving the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant began siphoning and converting monies for serious projects into private pockets. 

“The defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary Nigerians who had suffered from the consequence of his malfeasance. Little wonder that Nigeria has remained in darkness now. 

“I must say the defendant was ingenious in trying to hide his involvement by using proxy companies and accomplices to pick the funds for him. 

“However, the diligent investigation of the prosecution was able to link him to the said funds. 

“This court must salute the detailed nature of the investigation carried out in this matter and for presenting a coherent and cogent case against the defendant.

“The defendant on the other hand is condemned for greedily converting public funds to his own use. In the final analysis, the prosecution has established the 12-count charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

“Consequently, he is hereby convicted as charged,” the judge held.

Justice Omotosho suspended the sentencing aspect of the judgment till May 13 because, as against the standard practice, the ex-minister stayed away from Thursday’s court season.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed told the court that he had no access to his client since Tuesday when the notice of the judgement got to him.

Ahmed said one of the associates of the convict informed him that the former minister is sick, which informed why he was absent in court.

Lawyer to the prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) faulted Ahmed’s claiming, noting that defence lawyer failed to provide evidence to support his claim that the convict was ill.

Oyedepo then proceeded to pray the court to issue a bench warrant for the ex-minister’s arrest.

Before issuing the arrest warrant Justice Omotosho referenced news items indicating that the defendant had been actively involved in political activities, having purchased a form to contest the governorship election in Taraba State.

The judge ordered the state to search for the convict, arrest him and produce him in court on May 13 for sentencing, having been convicted of the offenses for which he was charged.

Mamman was arrested in 2021, about four months after he was removed from office by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.

The prosecution called 17 witnesses, who testified before the court and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.

Mamman was among others, accused of conspiring with staff members of the Ministry of Power to divert about ₦22bn that was meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

The anti-graft agency said its investigations revealed that Mamman and others used the funds to acquire choice assets, both within and outside the country.

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