Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of fraud and money laundering involving approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds.

The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to the court’s ruling, the former minister received seven-year prison terms on 10 counts, while counts four and five attracted separate sentences of three years and two years respectively.

Justice Omotosho ruled that all sentences would run consecutively, bringing the total prison term to 75 years. The court also stated that there would be no option of fine on most counts, except for count four, where Mamman was given the option to pay a ₦10 million fine.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of multiple foreign currencies recovered from the former minister, as well as four high-value properties in Abuja traced to him during investigations.

Mamman had earlier been convicted in absentia on May 7 after failing to appear in court. At the time, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had successfully proven the former minister’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

The former minister, who served under late President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for the purchase of a property in Abuja without routing the transaction through a financial institution, in violation of anti-money laundering laws.

The court also found him culpable in the diversion and criminal breach of trust involving government funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects.

According to evidence presented during trial, a significant portion of the stolen funds was allegedly funneled through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to Mamman.

In his remarks, Justice Omotosho criticized the former minister for failing to leave a positive legacy in Nigeria’s power sector.

The judge noted that instead of addressing the country’s long-standing electricity challenges, Mamman chose to enrich himself at the expense of ordinary Nigerians. He added that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming, while the defence failed to provide any credible rebuttal.

Mamman was absent both during his conviction and sentencing. A lawyer who appeared on his behalf, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that he was unable to reach his client and did not know his current whereabouts.

Following the sentencing, the court ordered all relevant Nigerian security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure Mamman’s arrest.

Justice Omotosho further ruled that the prison sentence will begin counting from the date of his eventual arrest.

The case has attracted widespread public attention, particularly because it involves funds meant for critical national power infrastructure projects in a country still battling persistent electricity shortages.