Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison on Wednesday. The court convicted Mamman on all 12 counts of money laundering and fraud involving N33.8 billion.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Prosecutors showed that Mamman diverted funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects during his tenure from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Justice Omotosho delivered the conviction on May 7 and handed down the sentence after Mamman failed to appear in court. The judge rebuked Mamman for living large at the expense of Nigerians. He stated that such actions contributed to the persistent power shortages in the country.
The sentences ran consecutively across the counts, resulting in a total of 75 years imprisonment. The term begins upon Mamman’s arrest. The court also ordered the forfeiture of properties and repayment of the diverted funds.
Mamman did not attend the judgment or sentencing. His lawyer cited ill health. The court had earlier issued a warrant for his arrest after he missed the conviction hearing. EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, requested the warrant.
Transitioning to the background, Mamman served as minister between August 2019 and September 2021. The EFCC charged him with laundering public funds intended for critical infrastructure. The agency described the case as part of efforts to recover assets and hold officials accountable.
Officials noted that the ruling underscored the fight against corruption in the power sector. Nigerians continued to face electricity challenges despite billions spent on projects. Authorities said they would pursue Mamman’s arrest to enforce the sentence.
This outcome followed months of trial. The EFCC presented evidence of illegal diversion linked to the major hydroelectric initiatives.
