A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years for ₦33.8bn fraud and money laundering linked to power projects
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion linked to major national power projects.
Also read: Many angles to the zenophobic attacks in South Africa…
The judgment was delivered on Thursday by Justice James Omotosho following months of trial brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused the former minister of diverting public funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The court found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him, ruling that the EFCC successfully proved charges of money laundering, criminal breach of trust and illegal cash transactions beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Omotosho sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, with additional sentences of three years and two years on separate counts. The sentences are to run consecutively, bringing the total to 75 years behind bars.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of several assets, including foreign currencies and four Abuja properties linked to the former minister.
The case stemmed from investigations into funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects, both key national infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving Nigeria’s electricity supply.
According to the EFCC, large sums released for the projects were allegedly diverted through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the funds into foreign currencies before passing them on to the former minister.
Prosecutors further alleged that Mamman made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for an Abuja property without using any financial institution.
The conviction marks a major development in one of Nigeria’s high-profile corruption cases. The court had earlier dismissed Mamman’s no-case submission, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring him to enter his defence.
During sentencing, Justice Omotosho condemned the former minister’s conduct, stating that public office was abused for personal enrichment rather than national development.
“Rather than creating a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens,” the judge held.
Also read: Many angles to the zenophobic attacks in South Africa…
Mamman was absent in court during both conviction and sentencing. The court subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest and directed security agencies to collaborate with Interpol for his apprehension.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
