N33.8BN FRAUD: Mamman, Former Minister of Power to face trial Thursday

By Akpokona Omafuaire

 

The Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman indicted for N33.8 billion will be formerly charged on a 12-Count charge of conspiracy and fraud on Thursday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

 Mamman, who served as Minister of Power from 2019 to 2022, is accused of conspiring with other officials and private companies to launder billions of naira intended for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.

 The EFCC filed charges that include conspiracy to commit money laundering, cash payments exceeding the lawful limit, and possession of proceeds of criminal conduct.

 Mamman is accused of conspiring to indirectly convert a total sum of N33,804,830,503.73, which should have been known to be part of the proceeds of an unlawful act.

 The commission also alleges that Mamman made a cash payment of US$655,700.00 without going through a financial institution and used N20,000,000.00 as rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Sammy Court Resort.

 Speaking with Vanguard on Wednesday night, a source at the EFCC headquarters said: "Mamman allegedly conspired with other officials and private companies to indirectly convert a total sum of N33,804,830,503.73, which reasonably ought to have been known to be part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, specifically criminal breach of trust in relation to the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria."

 The source further disclosed that Mamman is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Zainab Abubakar of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, facing potential prison time if convicted.

 Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, is part of the EFCC's prosecution team, led by Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, which is expected to present evidence and witnesses to prove the allegations against Mamman.

 The case is expected to spark widespread interest, as it is one of the largest fraud cases involving a former government official in recent Nigerian history.

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