A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case, ruling that public funds tied to major power projects were unlawfully diverted.

Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission established its case beyond reasonable doubt, with evidence showing the funds were linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects and were used for personal benefit.

The court heard that large sums were spent on assets, including a cash payment of $655,700 for property in Abuja above legal limits, alongside other acquisitions locally and abroad.

The judge described the prosecution’s case as overwhelming, noting that 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits were presented, while the defence failed to provide a convincing response.

Sentencing has been fixed for May 13, but Mamman was absent in court, prompting the issuance of a warrant to ensure his appearance.

Mamman, who served between 2019 and 2021, had earlier been removed from office under former President Muhammadu Buhari following allegations of financial misconduct.

He was first arrested in 2021 and later re-arrested in 2023, with the case expanding from an initial ₦22 billion probe to the ₦33.8 billion charges that led to his conviction.

He was formally charged in July 2024 over alleged diversion of public funds through private companies, in what prosecutors described as abuse of office and breach of trust.

Before the conviction, he had secured ₦10 billion bail and was pursuing a political return, having obtained APC governorship nomination forms for Taraba State.