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Tag: Saleh Mamman

  • EFCC Arrests Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman After 75-Year Corruption Conviction

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, days after he was convicted and handed a 75-year prison sentence over corruption-related offences involving about ₦22 billion.

    EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that Mamman was picked up at about 3:30am on Tuesday in Kaduna following a court order directing security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found.

    Arrest Follows Court Conviction

    Mamman’s arrest comes after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds.

    The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to multiple prison terms on each count, which are to run consecutively, amounting to a total of 75 years.

    Justice Omotosho also ordered that the sentence takes effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest.

    ₦22 Billion Power Project Fraud Case

    The former minister was prosecuted over alleged fraudulent transactions linked to the diversion of funds meant for major electricity infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Power.

    The affected projects include the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power schemes, both considered critical to Nigeria’s long-term energy expansion plan.

    The court further ordered the forfeiture of recovered funds and properties linked to the case to the Federal Government, as well as the refund of outstanding diverted amounts.

    EFCC Moves to Enforce Judgment

    Following the ruling, the EFCC intensified efforts to ensure enforcement of the judgment, leading to Mamman’s arrest in Kaduna.

    The commission said the arrest was necessary to ensure compliance with the court’s decision and continuation of the sentencing process.

    The case adds to ongoing anti-corruption prosecutions involving high-profile former public officials accused of mismanagement of public funds.

  • Court Jails Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman 75 Years for ₦33.8bn Fraud, Orders Arrest

    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.

  • Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Fraud — EFCC Secures Guilty Verdict

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.

    Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Court finds overwhelming evidence

    The court held that Mamman was guilty on all counts in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

    Justice Omotosho said the prosecution presented strong and credible evidence, while the defence failed to counter the allegations.

    “The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge stated.

    Funds diverted through BDCs

    The court found that the former minister illegally diverted public funds meant for critical power projects.

    According to the judgment, part of the funds was routed through Bureau de Change operators and converted into foreign currency.

    Mamman was also found to have made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.

    Projects affected by fraud

    The diverted funds were linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.

    Justice Omotosho said the defendant breached public trust and failed to prioritise national development.

    He noted that instead of leaving a legacy in the power sector, the former minister “was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens.”

    Absence stalls sentencing

    Mamman was not present in court when the judgment was delivered.

    The court subsequently deferred sentencing and considered an application by the EFCC for a warrant of arrest.

    His counsel told the court that the defendant’s whereabouts were unknown, claiming he was ill.

    However, the judge referenced reports suggesting Mamman had recently been active in political activities.

    EFCC details case

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

    Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after leaving office under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The EFCC accused him of conspiring with ministry officials to divert funds earmarked for major hydroelectric power projects.