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By John Azu
A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted a former Minister of Power, Engr Saleh Mamman for money laundering worth N33.8 billion.
Justice James Omotosho on Thursday held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved the allegations contained in its 12-count charge against Mamman beyond reasonable doubt.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant. The defendant did not offer any credie evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” the judge said.
The EFCC had filed the file number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024 against Mamman bordering on money laundering worth N31.70 billion in the Mambilla Hydropower and Zungeru Hydroelectric projects during his tenure under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Justice Omotosho noted that most of the funds released by the federal via the budgets were diverted through bureau de change (BDC) operators who converted the funds into foreign currencies and sent to him.
The judge also found the ex-minister guilty of criminal breach of trust, adding that he made a cash payment of $655,700, about N200 million for a landed property without using a financial institution.
The judge further observed that the defendant failed to create a legacy of resolving the epileptic power supply in the country but chose to live large at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Meanwhile, due to the ex-minister’s absence his sentence was deferred.
Defence counsel Mohammed Ahmed Esq informed the court that since the date of the judgement, the whereabouts of the defendant has been unknown, although one of his assistants disclosed that he had been sick.
The judge referenced a news article that the defendant had been engaged in political activities, including purchasing form for governorship in Taraba State.
For his part, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), who is the Director of Public Prosecutions, urged the court to proceed with the verdict.