Nigeria’s former Minister of Power under the late Buhari administration, Saleh Mamman, has been convicted on twelve (12) counts of fraud and money laundering by a Federal High Court in Abuja,
Vanguardngr.com reported, citing court proceedings on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, stated that it was satisfied that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had successfully established Mamman’s culpability beyond any reasonable doubt.
Mamman was arrested in 2021, a few months after his removal from office by the late President Muhammadu Buhari. The EFCC found him complicit in the illegal diversion of public funds totaling approximately ₦33.8 billion, earmarked for power projects.
According to court proceedings, the convict made cash payment of $655,700 (approximately ₦200 million) for landed property in Abuja without using a financial institution. The court also found him guilty of criminal breach of trust in relation to funds released by the federal government for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.
Most of the funds, the court noted, were siphoned through Bureau de Change operators (BDCs), who converted the money into foreign currencies and handed it over to Mamman.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming compared to the scanty and almost absent defense presented by the defendant. He did not provide any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” Justice Omotosho said, according to Vanguardngr.com.
The trial judge criticized the former minister for prioritizing personal wealth over national development. “Rather than leaving a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens. Little wonder Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” he added.
Mamman was absent when the court delivered the verdict, according to multiple news sources. Consequently, the court deferred his sentencing, while the EFCC applied for a warrant of arrest to be issued against him.
Minister Ndejembi also thanked President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for continuing to provide funding for the implementation of various energy projects.
He noted that the Ministry would continue to closely supervise the implementation of the projects to ensure citizens receive reliable electricity supply at all times.
In another development, the Minister directed the Managing Director of TANESCO to ensure that within one month, a higher-capacity transformer is secured and improvements are made to power transmission lines to ensure residents of Ngara District receive stable electricity while awaiting completion of the project.
“Residents of Ngara want reliable electricity without constant interruptions. Therefore, I direct the TANESCO Managing Director and your team to ensure we immediately secure a new high-capacity transformer to guarantee reliable power supply in Ngara District. I am giving you one month,” Ndejembi said.
He added that the project is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and promote agriculture, fishing, livestock farming, and industrial development in the Lake Zone, describing it as an important opportunity for residents of Kagera and neighbouring regions.
Minister Ndejembi also instructed TANESCO and the contractor to provide employment opportunities to residents in project areas within the districts of Ngara, Karagwe, and Missenyi so they can benefit economically and commercially from the project.
TANESCO Executive Director, Mr. Lazaro Twange, said the project would improve the reliability of electricity supply and stimulate economic activities in the Kagera Region.
“TANESCO has put in place plans to ensure that this project is completed on time and to the required standards,” Mr. Twange said. 
