By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, Dec. 11, 2025
In a significant development for Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, the Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a ‘no-case submission’ filed by former Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman. This ruling compels the ex-minister, who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, to enter a formal defence against allegations of laundering N33.8 billion intended for major hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the ruling, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had successfully established a prima facie case—a legal threshold meaning evidence exists that, if uncontradicted, would be sufficient to prove the allegations. The judge emphasized that the seriousness of the charges and the evidence presented necessitated an explanation from the defendant.
“The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendant,” Justice Omotosho stated. “It is such that the defendant must proffer some explanation or defence to the allegation made against him… This is not to say that the defendant is guilty as charged; put simply that he be afforded his right to fair hearing and put in his defence.”
Anatomy of the Allegations: Zungeru and Mambilla Projects at the Core
The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, stem from Mamman’s tenure as Minister from August 2019 to his dismissal in September 2021. The EFCC’s 12-count amended charge alleges that the former minister conspired with officials from the Ministry of Power and several private companies to “indirectly convert” funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
These projects are not minor undertakings. The 700MW Zungeru plant in Niger State is one of Nigeria’s largest power infrastructure investments, while the 3,050MW Mambilla project in Taraba State has been a decades-long aspiration critical to solving the nation’s chronic electricity deficit. The alleged diversion of N33.8 billion from such pivotal national assets underscores the profound economic and developmental implications of the case.
The Legal Battle: From Arraignment to No-Case Submission
Mamman was arraigned in July 2024 and pleaded not guilty. The EFCC, in proving its case, called 17 prosecution witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case in November. In response, Mamman’s legal team filed a no-case submission on November 19, arguing the prosecution failed to present credible evidence to sustain a conviction or even necessitate a defence.
The EFCC countered, urging the court to consider the totality of evidence from its witnesses and exhibits. Justice Omotosho’s ruling sided with the prosecution’s perspective, finding a sufficient evidential link between the defendant and the offences. He notably remarked that “a connection of the defendant with the offence, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence.”
Presumption of Innocence and the Path Forward
The judge was meticulous in balancing the ruling with foundational legal principles. He repeatedly restated that Mamman retains the presumption of innocence under Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution and that the burden of proof “beyond reasonable doubt” remains squarely on the EFCC, as mandated by Section 135(1) of the Evidence Act, 2011.
“The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Justice Omotosho affirmed. The ruling merely opens the next phase of the trial, where Mamman must present his defence and counter the prosecution’s narrative.
Broader Implications for Governance and Anti-Corruption
This case is a litmus test for Nigeria’s judicial and anti-corruption systems. It involves a high-profile figure from a recent administration and concerns flagship projects emblematic of the country’s infrastructure challenges. The court’s refusal to terminate the case at this stage signals a rigorous evidential standard for dismissing corruption charges and reinforces the principle that public officials must account for their stewardship, particularly over critical national resources.
The matter has been adjourned until February 23, 2026, for the defence to open its case. The coming months will determine whether the EFCC can convert its prima facie case into a conclusive proof of guilt, or if Mamman’s defence can successfully dismantle the allegations and clear his name.
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
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