Ex-Power Minister, Sale Mamman Convicted Of Laundering N33Bn
By Admin
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, has found Engr Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power, guilty in a money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
Mamman, who was dragged before the court in a 12-count amended charge, involving N33 billion by the EFCC, had pleaded not guilty at the commencement of the matter, thus leading to full trial.
Justice James Omotosho convicted the ex-power minister today in absentia, but adjourned his sentencing to a later date.
In his judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the two issues that would determine the judgment were whether the ex-minister’s right to a fair hearing was breached and whether the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Omotosho held that the ex-minister had the right to adequate facilities and sufficient time in a criminal trial.
The defence alleged that the denial of his right to recall PW2, who had been duly cross-examined, amounted to a denial of fair hearing.
But the judge said, “This attempt (to recall a witness who has been duly cross-examined by the defence) is, without doubt, a strange procedure,” and was aimed at rubbishing the evidence of the prosecution.
Omotosho held that the issue was resolved in favour of the prosecution.
On the amended charge, the judge said the prosecution was allowed by law to amend the charge before judgment and did not require leave of court to do so.
The defendant failed to call any witness in rebuttal of the prosecution’s case.
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“Consequently, this Court holds that the prosecution has established counts 1–4 of the charge, and the defendant is convicted,” the judge said.
He also held that the ex-minister purchased a property in cash beyond the limit stipulated by law.
The judge maintained that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses “are quite believable”, adding that the ex-minister could not dispute the criminal breach of trust and conspiracy allegations of the EFCC.
The judge added that the ex-minister had admitted using the said illicit funds.
The court concluded that the EFCC has established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
However, the judge said the prosecution has established that at least N22 billion was diverted by the ex-minister.
The judge said it is shameful for the ex-minister to divert money meant for addressing Nigeria’s power issue.
With additional reports from Nairametric
