Former Nigerian Minister Convicted of N33.8bn Money Laundering, to be Sentenced to Prison May 13

A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of money laundering involving about N33.8 billion in what prosecutors described as one of the largest corruption cases linked to Nigeria’s power sector in recent years.

Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution established its case against the former minister on multiple counts relating to the diversion and laundering of public funds during his tenure in office.

However, the court deferred sentencing until May 13, 2026, because Mamman was not physically present in court when the judgment was delivered.

Concerned that the former minister could evade sentencing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, applied for a bench warrant to compel his appearance before the court.

Mamman served as Minister of Power under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021 before he was removed during a cabinet reshuffle.

His tenure was marked by persistent concerns over electricity supply, stalled power projects, and allegations of financial irregularities in the management of funds allocated to the sector.

The anti-graft agency had accused Mamman of conspiring with associates to illegally move and conceal billions of naira meant for power sector projects.

According to prosecutors, part of the funds was allegedly laundered through proxy accounts and cash transactions in violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.

The case forms part of a broader crackdown by Nigerian authorities on corruption in public office, particularly within the power sector, which has consumed billions of dollars in government spending over the years despite continued nationwide electricity shortages.