A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Mamman on all 12 charges brought against him by the anti-graft agency.
Court convicts former minister on all counts
The court held that the EFCC successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively rather than concurrently, resulting in a total sentence of 75 years.
According to the charges, Mamman allegedly conspired with ministry officials and private companies in 2019 to divert over N33.8 billion while serving as Minister of Power.
The funds were reportedly linked to projects in the power sector, including the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
EFCC details money laundering allegations
The EFCC alleged that part of the diverted funds was moved through Bureau De Change operators and converted into foreign currencies before being delivered to Mamman and his associates.
The anti-graft agency also accused the former minister of making large cash payments outside the banking system in violation of Nigeria’s money laundering laws.
One of the charges involved a payment of $665,700 for the purchase of a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.
Sentence delivered in absentia
The judgment and sentencing were delivered in absentia after the court ruled that Mamman deliberately stayed away from proceedings to frustrate justice.
Justice Omotosho relied on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act to proceed with sentencing despite the defendant’s absence.
The judge subsequently ordered security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest the former minister wherever he is found and hand him over to correctional authorities to begin serving his sentence.
The court ruled that the jail term would begin from the date of his arrest.
Court orders forfeiture of properties and funds
The court also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies and properties linked to the convicted former minister.
Some of the affected assets include properties traced to him in Abuja.
In addition, the court directed Mamman to refund outstanding funds from the N22 billion the prosecution claimed was diverted from hydroelectric power projects.
Saleh Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was first arraigned in July 2024 on charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
The case has remained one of the high-profile corruption prosecutions involving former government officials in Nigeria’s power sector.
The EFCC argued throughout the trial that public funds meant for critical electricity projects were unlawfully diverted for personal use.
