Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years Over ₦33.8bn Fraud
Former Nigerian Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja over a ₦33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case linked to major power projects in the country.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after finding the former minister guilty on multiple counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The charges bordered on conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects.
The court ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively, leading to a total jail term of 75 years. Reports further indicated that Mamman was absent during sentencing, prompting the court to direct security agencies and Interpol to arrest him wherever he may be found.
According to prosecutors, the former minister allegedly diverted over ₦33.8 billion through private companies and bureau de change operators while serving under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021. Investigators said part of the funds was traced to suspicious financial transactions and acquisition of luxury assets.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission maintained that the funds were originally approved for critical electricity infrastructure projects aimed at improving Nigeria’s power supply. The case has generated widespread reactions amid ongoing concerns over corruption and poor electricity supply in the country.
The conviction is regarded as one of the strongest anti-corruption judgments against a former cabinet minister in Nigeria in recent years and is expected to reinforce ongoing efforts to tackle financial crimes involving public officials.
