Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman Missing During ₦33.8bn Fraud Judgment

Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, was missing during the judgment delivery in a ₦33.8 billion fraud case at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. The case, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, involved allegations of money laundering linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

Mamman's legal counsel, Moham Ahm, informed the court that efforts to contact him were unsuccessful, and they were later told he was ill. However, no medical report was provided to support this claim.

The prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, argued that the defense had failed to provide convincing reasons for Mamman's absence and insisted that the court had the authority to continue with the judgment. Ultimately, Justice Omotosho delivered a judgment favoring the prosecution, convicting Mamman on 12 counts of amended charges related to money laundering and conspiracy.

Mamman had been arraigned in July 2024 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.