A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman on 12 counts related to fraud and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric schemes.

In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had established its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found that Mamman misappropriated public funds for personal use, including a $655,700 cash transaction to buy property in Abuja that breached legal limits, as well as the purchase of high-value assets within and outside Nigeria.

Justice Omotosho described the evidence presented by the EFCC as compelling, highlighting 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits, while noting that the defendant did not offer a substantial defense.

Mamman was not present in court during Thursday’s hearing, leading the judge to postpone sentencing to May 13 and order his arrest to ensure he appears.

Mamman led the Ministry of Power from 2019 to 2021 before being dismissed by former President Muhammadu Buhari following claims of financial irregularities in the sector. He was initially held by the EFCC in May 2021 after leaving office, and was detained again in May 2023 over a separate ₦22 billion case that eventually merged into the larger ₦33.8 billion prosecution.

The EFCC had accused him of colluding with ministry officials and private contractors to divert funds allocated for the two power projects, describing it as a breach of trust. He was earlier granted bail of ₦10 billion, with his legal team contesting the charges throughout the trial.

The judgment comes shortly after Mamman declared in April that he had picked up APC nomination forms to run for Taraba State governor.