The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over a ₦33.8 billion fraud case linked to major hydroelectric power projects in Nigeria.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission successfully proved the allegations against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty on 12 counts involving fraud and money laundering connected to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects.
The court also convicted him for making a cash payment of $655,700 (about ₦200 million) for a property in Abuja without passing through any financial institution, contrary to financial regulations.
According to the court, billions of naira were allegedly diverted through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the funds into foreign currencies before handing them over to the defendant.
Justice Omotosho stated that the prosecution presented strong and convincing evidence, while the defence failed to effectively challenge the charges.