Nigeria TV Info 

Court Sentences Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman To 75 Years Imprisonment Over N33.8bn Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved allegations of conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public funds meant for critical electricity infrastructure projects in Nigeria.

According to the judgment, the former minister received seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while additional sentences of three years and two years were imposed on counts four and five respectively. The judge ordered that the jail terms run consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 75 years.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of several Abuja properties and foreign currencies traced to the former minister. In addition, Mamman was directed to refund outstanding funds linked to the alleged diversion of money earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects.

Mamman was sentenced in absentia after failing to appear in court during proceedings. Justice Omotosho described his absence as a deliberate attempt to frustrate justice and consequently ordered Nigerian security agencies, alongside Interpol, to arrest him wherever he is found. The court ruled that his prison sentence would begin from the date of arrest.

The EFCC had arraigned the former minister in July 2024, presenting 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits during the trial. The anti-graft agency accused him of diverting billions of naira through ministry officials, private firms, and Bureau de Change operators during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.