Saleh Kwagyang Mamman, Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, stands at the center of a high-profile corruption case that has captivated the nation’s attention. Charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with laundering N33.8 billion, Mamman’s trial exposes the intricate web of financial misconduct allegedly woven during his tenure from 2019 to 2021. This article delves into the specifics of the charges, unpacks the major line items of his alleged corrupt spending, provides a glimpse into his personal background, and argues why Nigeria must rethink its approach to corruption as a means of amassing generational wealth.
Background: Who is Saleh Mamman?
Born in Taraba State, Nigeria, Saleh Mamman emerged as a political figure under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Appointed Minister of Power on August 21, 2019, Mamman was tasked with overseeing Nigeria’s beleaguered power sector, a critical component of the country’s economic infrastructure. His tenure, however, was short-lived; he was sacked on September 1, 2021, in a cabinet reshuffle that many speculated was linked to underperformance and emerging allegations of corruption.
Mamman’s personal history is relatively opaque, typical of many Nigerian politicians who rise through party loyalty rather than public prominence. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he was a Buhari loyalist, having served in various capacities before his ministerial appointment. His background lacks the technocratic credentials one might expect for such a pivotal role, raising questions about his qualifications to manage the complex Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects—multi-billion-naira initiatives central to his alleged crimes.
Following his dismissal, Mamman’s troubles escalated. On May 10, 2021, he was arrested by the EFCC, and after years of investigation, he was arraigned on July 11, 2024, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. His trial, ongoing as of March 22, 2025, has become a litmus test for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
The Charges: A Breakdown of Alleged Corruption
Mamman faces a 12-count charge of money laundering under the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, with the EFCC alleging he conspired with ministry officials and private entities to misappropriate N33,804,830,503.73 (approximately $20 million at current exchange rates). The funds, intended for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects, were reportedly diverted through a sophisticated scheme involving unauthorized companies, bureau de change (BDC) operators, and cash transactions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key charges and alleged corrupt conduct:
- Conspiracy to Convert N33.8 Billion (Count 1)
- Mamman is accused of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies in 2019 to “indirectly convert” N33.8 billion meant for the power projects. The EFCC claims this constituted a criminal breach of trust, as the funds were federal allocations for infrastructure critical to Nigeria’s energy security.
- Cash Payment of $655,700 Without Financial Institutions (Count 2)
- In December 2019, Mamman allegedly collaborated with one Samson Bitrus to pay $655,700 in cash to Mohiba Investment Ltd. for a property transaction, bypassing regulated financial channels—a hallmark of money laundering designed to obscure the money trail.
- Use of Proceeds for Property Acquisition
- Testimony from prosecution witness Mohammed Ashelk Jidda on March 5, 2025, revealed that Mamman paid approximately $200,000 (equivalent to N200 million) in cash for a five-bedroom property at No. 12a & b Lungi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja. The transaction, facilitated through Mohammed Hussein under Mamman’s instructions, underscores how illicit funds were allegedly funneled into real estate.
- Rental Payments for Luxury Apartments
- Multiple counts (e.g., Counts 3-5) detail Mamman’s use of N47.5 million between 2019 and 2022 to pay rent for a one-bedroom apartment at Sammy Court Resort in Abuja. These payments—N20 million in 2019, N15 million in 2020-2021, and N12.5 million in 2021-2022—were allegedly drawn from project funds, highlighting a pattern of personal enrichment.
- Diversion to Unauthorized Entities
- EFCC operative Abubakar Kweido testified on September 25, 2024, that over N33.8 billion was transferred to 13 entities not authorized for the Mambilla project, including companies like Prymint Investment Ltd., Gurupche Business Enterprise, and Platinum Enterprise. These transfers, often facilitated by BDCs, converted funds into foreign currencies and cash, allegedly under Mamman’s direction via his personal assistant, Bawo Idris.
Major Line Items of Alleged Spending
The EFCC’s investigation paints a vivid picture of how Mamman reportedly spent the stolen funds, with major line items reflecting a blend of personal luxury and asset accumulation:
- Real Estate Investments (N200 Million)
The purchase of the Wuse 2 property stands out as a significant expenditure. Paid in dollars and executed through proxies, this acquisition aligns with a common strategy among corrupt officials to launder money into tangible assets that can appreciate over time, securing wealth for future generations. - Luxury Apartment Rentals (N47.5 Million)
The rental payments for Sammy Court Resort suggest a lifestyle of extravagance, funded directly from public coffers. These sums, while smaller than the property purchase, indicate a consistent drain of resources for personal comfort over three years. - Cash Disbursements via BDCs (Billions of Naira)
The bulk of the N33.8 billion was allegedly funneled through BDCs and unauthorized companies, with beneficiaries including Vintage Nigeria Ltd., Fullest Utility Concept, and Golden Bond Nig Ltd. While exact spending details for these entities remain under scrutiny, the EFCC alleges the funds were shared among conspirators or stashed offshore, with millions in naira and dollars recovered. - Potential Overseas Assets
Early reports from May 2023 noted properties linked to Mamman and his associates in Nigeria and abroad, though specifics have yet to be fully disclosed in court. This suggests a broader strategy to diversify illicit gains beyond Nigeria’s borders.
The Trial: Current Status and Implications
As of March 22, 2025, Mamman’s trial is ongoing, with the court adjourning to April 7, 10, 14, and May 2, 2025, for a “trial within a trial” to determine the admissibility of evidence, such as confessions or statements. Mamman has pleaded not guilty, and his defense has challenged procedural aspects, including his health—highlighted by a dramatic collapse outside the courtroom on July 11, 2024. Granted bail of N10 billion in July 2024, he remains in custody pending compliance with stringent conditions.
The case has revealed systemic weaknesses in Nigeria’s public fund management, particularly in the power sector, where billions have been allocated with little progress. Witnesses, including bank officials and EFCC operatives, have provided damning testimony, yet the trial’s outcome remains uncertain, testing the EFCC’s ability to secure convictions against high-profile figures.
Nigeria’s Corruption Conundrum: A Call for Rethink
Mamman’s case is emblematic of a deeper malaise in Nigeria: the entrenched practice of using public office to amass generational wealth through corrupt means. This phenomenon has profound implications for the nation’s development and demands a reevaluation of societal and institutional norms. Here’s why Nigeria must rethink this approach:
- Economic Stagnation
The diversion of N33.8 billion from the Mambilla and Zungeru projects—intended to generate thousands of megawatts and boost industrialization—has left Nigeria’s power sector in perpetual crisis. Corruption of this scale stifles economic growth, perpetuating poverty for millions while enriching a few. - Erosion of Public Trust
When leaders like Mamman allegedly siphon funds meant for public good, citizens lose faith in governance. This breeds apathy, undermines democracy, and fuels social unrest, as seen in frequent protests over poor infrastructure. - Generational Wealth vs. National Legacy
The pursuit of generational wealth through corruption prioritizes family dynasties over collective progress. Mamman’s alleged investments in properties and offshore assets reflect a mindset that views public office as a personal fiefdom, rather than a platform for national service. - Weak Deterrents
Nigeria’s legal system often struggles to punish high-profile offenders, with prolonged trials and lenient outcomes. Mamman’s case, if unresolved or leniently handled, risks reinforcing the perception that corruption pays—a cycle that must be broken through swift, transparent justice. - Cultural Normalization
Corruption has become so pervasive that it is sometimes celebrated as savvy entrepreneurship. This cultural acceptance must shift toward valuing integrity and accountability, requiring education, leadership by example, and stricter enforcement.
A Path Forward
Saleh Mamman’s prosecution is more than a legal battle; it’s a mirror reflecting Nigeria’s struggle with corruption. The charges against him—spanning conspiracy, property acquisition, and fund diversion—illustrate how public officials can exploit their positions for personal gain, leaving behind a trail of underdevelopment. His background as a political appointee with limited technical expertise further questions the meritocracy of Nigeria’s governance.
To break this cycle, Nigeria must strengthen institutions like the EFCC, ensure judicial efficiency, and foster a cultural shift that rejects corruption as a legitimate path to wealth. Only then can the nation redirect its resources—human and financial—toward sustainable development, ensuring that future generations inherit a legacy of progress, not plunder. Mamman’s fate in court will be a critical indicator of whether Nigeria is ready to turn this page.
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