A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of money laundering and fraud involving ₦33.8 billion.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Court delivers long jail terms on multiple counts
The court handed the former minister seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while he also received three years on one count and two years on another.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, meaning they will not run at the same time.
However, the judge allowed an option of a ₦10 million fine on count four, while maintaining that other counts carry no option of fine.
₦33.8bn linked to power projects
Mamman was arraigned in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering linked to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The EFCC alleged that the former minister worked with officials and private firms to “indirectly convert” the ₦33.8 billion in question.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
EFCC presents witnesses, exhibits
During trial, the anti-graft agency called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.
On May 7, 2026, the court convicted Mamman in absentia after holding that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Arrest warrant issued
Following the sentencing, Justice Omotosho ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict as well as four properties traced to him in Abuja.
The court also issued a warrant for Mamman’s arrest and directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure his capture.
Mohammed Ahmed, who appeared for the convict, told the court he was unaware of Mamman’s whereabouts, saying repeated calls to him did not go through.
The judge ordered that the sentence would commence from the day Mamman is arrested.