A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on all 12 counts of money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice James Omotosho ruled that the anti-graft agency proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Mamman guilty of criminal breach of trust linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The EFCC had accused the former minister of conspiring with ministry officials and private firms to divert N33.8 billion earmarked for the projects. Prosecutors presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits during the trial.

The court also held that Mamman made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about N200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution, while much of the money was allegedly routed through Bureau de Change operators.

Justice Omotosho described the prosecution’s evidence as overwhelming, stating that the defendant failed to provide a credible defence.

Mamman was absent in court during the judgment, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest and adjourn sentencing to May 13.

His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court that the former minister was reportedly ill and his whereabouts were unknown, but the request to delay judgment was rejected. Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo urged the court to proceed, insisting no reasonable explanation had been given for the defendant’s absence.