A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on all 12 counts of money laundering, in a case involving alleged diversion of funds earmarked for major electricity infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty in relation to funds reportedly tied to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
According to court proceedings, the total amount involved in the case is estimated to be between ₦22 billion and ₦33.8 billion, which were allegedly diverted through various financial channels.
The court further heard that part of the funds was used for personal acquisitions, including the purchase of a property in Abuja reportedly paid for in cash, amounting to $655,700 (over ₦200 million at the time).
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge described the evidence presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as “overwhelming,” noting that the actions of public officials in such cases contribute to the persistent challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.
The conviction has reignited public debate over Nigeria’s long-standing electricity crisis, with many citizens linking systemic corruption in the sector to the country’s inability to achieve stable power supply despite repeated investments and reform programmes.
Nigeria continues to struggle with erratic electricity generation and distribution, with analysts repeatedly pointing to mismanagement, weak infrastructure, and corruption as key constraints affecting the sector’s performance.
As reactions continue to trail the ruling, the case has once again highlighted concerns over accountability in public office and the long-term impact of financial misconduct on national development.
Mamman is expected to face sentencing following the completion of related legal processes.
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