Power Minister Saleh Mamman, ₦33.8bn Fraud Conviction & Absconding: What Happened in the Abuja Federal High Court Case
A major corruption case involving Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman (2019–2021), has taken a dramatic turn after a Federal High Court in Abuja reportedly convicted him on multiple counts of money laundering and conspiracy linked to alleged diversion of billions of naira meant for critical national power projects. The case has sparked widespread public attention, especially after reports that the ex-minister was absent in court during proceedings, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest.
According to filings by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mamman and several associates were accused of diverting funds estimated at about ₦33.8 billion, with the court reportedly affirming that at least ₦22 billion was traced to questionable transactions involving proxy companies and contractors linked to major hydroelectric projects.
The case centers on one of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure projects—the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects—both designed to significantly boost electricity generation capacity and reduce the country’s persistent power shortages.
Background: Who is Saleh Mamman?
Saleh Mamman served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. His tenure was marked by major policy announcements aimed at improving electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.
However, like many past power sector administrations, his time in office was also shadowed by controversies surrounding project funding, contractor payments, and persistent national grid instability.
Before becoming minister, Mamman held various roles in Nigeria’s energy and engineering sectors, building a profile within public infrastructure development circles.
The Allegations: ₦33.8 Billion Linked to Power Projects
The EFCC alleged that between 2019 and 2021, significant funds earmarked for key power infrastructure projects were unlawfully diverted through a complex network of companies and intermediaries.
The alleged scheme reportedly involved:
Inflated contract sums
Payments to companies without clear deliverables
Transfers routed through proxy or shell companies
Diversion of funds intended for hydroelectric development projects
The Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project and the Mambilla Hydroelectric Project were central to the investigation. Both projects were intended to be flagship energy developments designed to add thousands of megawatts to Nigeria’s electricity grid.
Investigators claimed that instead of being fully deployed for construction and execution, a substantial portion of the funds was mismanaged or redirected through questionable financial channels.
Court filings reportedly confirmed that at least ₦22 billion of the total ₦33.8 billion in question was linked to transactions deemed irregular.
The Court Case and Conviction
The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice (name not specified in reports), reportedly found Mamman guilty on 12 counts bordering on:
Money laundering
Conspiracy to divert public funds
Abuse of office
Financial misappropriation linked to government contracts
The prosecution argued that the former minister, alongside associates, played a central role in approving and facilitating the movement of funds through multiple layers of corporate accounts.
The court’s decision followed months of hearings, during which the EFCC presented financial documents, transaction trails, and witness testimonies linking the accused to the alleged diversion scheme.
The Absence: Why a Bench Warrant Was Issued
One of the most dramatic aspects of the case was Mamman’s reported absence during critical court proceedings. According to court records, he failed to appear for sentencing, which led the court to issue a bench warrant for his arrest.
His absence was interpreted by the court as possible evasion of justice, prompting immediate legal consequences.
The sentencing, initially expected to conclude proceedings, was subsequently deferred to May 13, pending his appearance or apprehension by law enforcement authorities.
The issuance of a bench warrant means security agencies are now legally empowered to arrest him and present him before the court for sentencing.
EFCC’s Position: Tracking Public Funds
The EFCC has consistently maintained that the case is part of a broader anti-corruption drive targeting mismanagement of public funds, particularly in high-value infrastructure projects.
In its submission, the agency alleged that:
Public funds meant for electricity expansion were systematically diverted
Multiple contractors were used as fronts for financial transfers
Some companies involved could not justify receipt of payments
The structure of transactions suggested deliberate concealment of fund flows
The commission has also emphasized that the power sector remains one of the most vulnerable areas for financial leakages due to its capital-intensive nature and long project timelines.
The Zungeru and Mambilla Projects: Why They Matter
To understand the scale of the allegations, it is important to examine the significance of the projects at the center of the case.
Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project
Located in Niger State, the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project is designed to generate hundreds of megawatts of electricity, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s national grid.
It has been under development for years and is considered a critical part of Nigeria’s renewable energy expansion strategy.
Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project
The Mambilla project, located in Taraba State, is one of the largest proposed hydroelectric projects in Africa. Once completed, it is expected to generate over 3,000 MW of electricity.
Due to its size and strategic importance, it has attracted significant government funding and international interest.
Delays, funding disputes, and allegations of mismanagement have surrounded the project for years, making it a recurring subject of investigation and political debate.
Legal Implications of the Conviction
If the court’s reported conviction stands and sentencing is completed, Mamman could face significant penalties under Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.
Possible consequences include:
Long-term imprisonment
Forfeiture of assets linked to the alleged crimes
Restrictions on holding public office
Financial penalties or restitution orders
However, legal experts note that final sentencing and any potential appeals process could still influence the outcome.
The issuance of a bench warrant also introduces a procedural dimension, as the court may proceed differently depending on whether the defendant is eventually arrested or voluntarily appears.
Public Reaction and Political Debate
The case has triggered strong reactions across Nigeria’s political and civil society landscape.
Many citizens view it as part of a broader pattern of corruption allegations involving high-ranking officials in infrastructure ministries. Others emphasize the need for due process and caution against premature conclusions until all legal avenues are exhausted.
Key public concerns include:
Accountability in the management of national infrastructure funds
Transparency in contract awarding and execution
The slow pace of project completion despite heavy funding
The effectiveness of anti-corruption agencies in deterring misconduct
On social media and public forums, the case has also reignited debate over Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges and the billions of dollars spent over decades with limited visible improvement.
Wider Context: Corruption in the Power Sector
Nigeria’s power sector has historically been one of the most heavily scrutinized areas of public finance. Despite multiple reform efforts, including privatization and restructuring, challenges persist.
Recurring issues include:
Contract inflation
Project abandonment
Funding misallocation
Weak oversight mechanisms
Delays in implementation of large-scale projects
The Mamman case, regardless of its final legal outcome, adds to a long list of investigations involving senior officials in the sector.
What Happens Next?
The immediate next step in the case is the enforcement of the bench warrant and the rescheduled sentencing date of May 13.
Several possible scenarios remain:
1. Arrest and Sentencing
If Mamman is apprehended or appears in court, sentencing will proceed based on the conviction.
2. Appeal Process
The defense may file an appeal challenging the conviction or procedural aspects of the trial.
3. Further Investigations
Additional probes may expand to other individuals or companies linked to the alleged fund flows.
4. Asset Tracing and Recovery
Authorities may pursue recovery of funds or seizure of assets if the judgment includes forfeiture orders.
The conviction of former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, alongside allegations involving ₦33.8 billion in public funds, represents one of the most significant corruption-related cases in Nigeria’s recent political history.
With a bench warrant issued and sentencing pending, the case continues to evolve and raises broader questions about governance, accountability, and the long-term challenges facing Nigeria’s power infrastructure development.
As the legal process moves forward, attention will remain fixed on both the enforcement of the court’s orders and the wider implications for public trust in government institutions and large-scale national projects.
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