Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman jailed 75 years over N33.8bn fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

The court sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts, alongside separate jail terms of three years and two years on counts four and five respectively.

Read also: Court convicts ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman over N33.8bn fraud

Omotosho ordered that the sentences run consecutively, without the option of fine, except for count four where a N10 million fine was allowed.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict and four Abuja properties traced to him.

Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arraigned in July 2024 on charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects.

Read also: Saleh Mamman, ex-power minister, declared wanted as court revokes bail

According to the EFCC, the former minister conspired with ministry officials and private firms to divert about N33.8 billion meant for critical power infrastructure projects.

The anti-graft agency presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial.

Justice Omotosho had earlier convicted Mamman in absentia after the former minister failed to appear in court. His counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court he could not ascertain his client’s whereabouts and that attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful.

Read also: Saleh Mamman, ex-power minister paid $200,000 in cash for Abuja property, says witness

Following the sentencing, the judge directed Nigerian security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to ensure Mamman’s arrest.

The court further ruled that the prison term would commence from the date of his eventual arrest.