Court sentences ex-power minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison for N33.8bn fraud
A federal high court in Abuja has sentenced former minister of power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion fraud case involving money laundering and diversion of funds.
Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court imposed seven-year jail terms on 10 of the counts, while counts four and five attracted three years and two years respectively. The sentences are to run consecutively, with no option of fine except for count four, where the court allowed a N10 million fine.
Justice Omotosho also ordered the forfeiture of several assets linked to the former minister, including foreign currencies recovered during the investigation and four high-value properties in Abuja.
Mamman was arraigned by the EFCC in July 2024 on allegations of conspiracy and money laundering involving funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. Prosecutors accused him and several ministry officials of illegally converting about N33.8 billion through private companies.
Although the former minister pleaded not guilty when the trial began, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.
On May 7, the court convicted Mamman in absentia after he failed to appear for proceedings. Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently issued a warrant for the ex-minister’s arrest.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Mamman’s counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court he could not account for his client’s whereabouts, adding that repeated attempts to reach him by phone were unsuccessful.
Following the sentencing, the judge directed all security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to facilitate Mamman’s arrest and enforcement of the prison term.
The court further ruled that the sentence would begin from the date of his eventual arrest.
