The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a combined prison term of 75 years after convicting him in a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice James Omotosho found the former minister guilty on all charges filed against him, ruling that the prosecution successfully proved allegations relating to the diversion and laundering of public funds linked to major power sector projects.
The court ordered that the sentences attached to the various counts run consecutively, significantly increasing the total jail term imposed on the former minister.
Despite Mamman’s absence during the judgment and sentencing proceedings, the court proceeded with the conviction, holding that his failure to appear amounted to a deliberate attempt to frustrate the administration of justice.
The judge subsequently directed Nigerian security agencies, including Interpol, to locate and arrest the former minister wherever he may be found and transfer him to correctional authorities to begin serving the sentence.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison term would take effect from the date of arrest.
The court also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies and properties connected to the case, including assets traced to the convict in Abuja.
In addition, the former minister was directed to refund the outstanding balance from approximately N22 billion identified by the prosecution as funds diverted from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was initially arraigned over allegations involving conspiracy, money laundering and diversion of public funds running into tens of billions of naira.
The prosecution argued that funds allocated for strategic electricity infrastructure projects were unlawfully diverted through multiple transactions and financial arrangements linked to the former minister.
The judgment represents one of the most high-profile corruption convictions involving a former cabinet member in recent years and further highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting alleged abuse of public office and diversion of government resources.
Analysts said the ruling could intensify scrutiny of public sector project financing and accountability within Nigeria’s power and infrastructure sectors.
