A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman on multiple counts of fraud and money laundering, marking one of the most high-profile corruption convictions in Nigeria’s power sector in recent years.

The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho, who ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The court found Mamman guilty of diverting approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds, alongside other financial misconduct linked to major federal power projects.

According to the judgment, the former minister also made an unlawful cash payment of $655,700 (about ₦200 million) for property acquisition in Abuja without passing through any financial institution.

He was further convicted for criminal breach of trust involving funds allocated to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects, two key national infrastructure initiatives.

Justice Omotosho noted that much of the diverted money was allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the funds into foreign currencies before handing them over.

“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming,” the judge said, adding that the defence failed to provide any credible rebuttal.

In a particularly strong remark, the court criticised Mamman’s tenure in office, stating that instead of improving Nigeria’s struggling electricity supply, he allegedly benefited personally from public funds.

“Rather than creating a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens,” the judge held.

The court also added a blunt conclusion: “Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today.”The former minister was not present in court when the judgment was delivered, prompting the court to order his arrest after conviction.

Counsel to Mamman informed the court that his client’s whereabouts were unknown, adding that he was reportedly unwell, though the court noted reports suggesting recent political activity.

Meanwhile, the prosecution counsel from the EFCC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, urged the court to proceed with judgment regardless of the defendant’s absence.

Mamman was first arrested in 2021 after being removed from office by former President Muhammadu Buhari, following allegations of large-scale corruption in the power ministry.

During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits, alleging that the former minister worked with ministry officials to divert about ₦22 billion meant for critical power projects.

Investigators also claimed that parts of the stolen funds were used to acquire properties both within and outside Nigeria.

The court has now fixed Tuesday, May 12, 2026, for sentencing, where the final penalty for the convicted former minister will be determined.

Beyond the courtroom, the case once again highlights a long-standing issue in Nigeria’s power sector—massive spending, repeated reforms, and yet, persistent electricity challenges.

And for many Nigerians, the verdict raises a familiar question: how much of the country’s development has been lost to corruption over the years?