The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission transferred former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to Kuje Correctional Centre on Tuesday. Mamman began his 75-year prison sentence following his conviction for money laundering and fraud.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Mamman on all 12 counts in May. The charges involved the diversion of 33.8 billion naira linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
EFCC prosecutors presented evidence that showed Mamman laundered funds meant for the projects. The court found him guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Justice Omotosho sentenced Mamman to seven years on each of 10 counts and imposed shorter terms on the remaining two. The sentences ran consecutively to total 75 years.
Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Authorities arrested him in Kaduna after he went into hiding following the initial conviction.
The EFCC completed the transfer process after the court issued the necessary orders. Prison officials received Mamman at the Kuje facility, where he started serving his term immediately. The conviction marked a significant step in efforts to address corruption in Nigeria’s power sector.
Officials recovered some assets connected to the case. The court ordered their forfeiture as part of the judgment. Mamman maintained his innocence during the trial but the court rejected his defense.
