Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman was found guilty on Thursday by the Federal High Court in Abuja on 12 revised counts of money laundering that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had filed against him.

Even though Mamman was not present in court, Justice James Omotosho pronounced the former minister guilty on all counts after concluding that the EFCC had proven its case against him beyond a reasonable doubt.

Mamman, who worked for former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 to September 2021, was charged with money laundering and diversion related to the hydroelectric power projects in Zungeru and Mambilla.

He was charged by the anti-graft agency with plotting to embezzle public cash intended for power sector projects with officials and private businesses.

Before finding Mamman guilty on all the charges, Justice Omotosho stated that he was pleased with the prosecution's evidence.

According to Justice Omotosho, the defense was essentially nonexistent and the prosecution's case was overwhelming.

“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant. The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” he held.

According to what the court heard, the majority of the cash that were diverted went through Bureau de Change operators, who changed them into foreign currencies before giving them to Mamman.

The judge also criticized the former minister's term, bemoaning the fact that a man in charge of the country's power industry had no desire to leave a significant legacy.

“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” Justice Omotosho added.

Source