Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman sentenced to 75 years for N33.8bn fraud
Saleh Mamman
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a massive N33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case linked to funds meant for major power projects in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday after finding the former minister guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court also ordered security agencies and Interpol to immediately arrest Mamman wherever he is found, following his absence during both conviction and sentencing proceedings.
The development marks one of the most significant corruption convictions involving a former cabinet member in recent years and has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political and legal circles.
How Saleh Mamman Was Convicted
According to court proceedings, the EFCC accused Mamman of diverting public funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects, two critical electricity projects expected to improve Nigeria’s struggling power supply.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the former minister laundered approximately N33.8bn through various channels, including Bureau de Change operators who converted large sums into foreign currencies.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution successfully established Mamman’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming,” the judge reportedly stated while dismissing the defence presented by the former minister.
The court noted that Mamman failed to provide convincing evidence to counter the allegations brought against him.
Details Of The 75-Year Jail Sentence
The court sentenced Mamman to:
- Seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts
- Three years imprisonment on count four with an option of N10 million fine
- Two years imprisonment on count five without an option of fine
Justice Omotosho ordered that all prison terms would run consecutively, not concurrently, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The judge also ruled that the prison term would begin from the date of Mamman’s arrest.
Why The Court Proceeded In His Absence
A major highlight of the case was the court’s decision to convict and sentence Mamman in absentia.
Justice Omotosho held that the former minister deliberately stayed away from court in an attempt to frustrate justice.
Relying on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the court agreed with EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), that sentencing could proceed legally despite the defendant’s absence.
During proceedings, a lawyer representing Mamman reportedly informed the court that attempts to contact the former minister had failed and his whereabouts were unknown.
Following the judgment, the court issued a directive ordering all security agencies, including Interpol, to ensure his arrest.
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Court Orders Forfeiture Of Properties And Funds
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered the final forfeiture of several assets linked to the former minister.
These include:
- Foreign currencies recovered during investigation
- Choice properties located in Abuja
- Funds connected to the alleged fraud scheme
The court also directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the N22bn reportedly diverted from the hydroelectric projects.
One of the findings presented during the trial revealed that the former minister made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to over N200 million, for a landed property in Abuja without using a financial institution.
Power Projects At The Centre Of The Scandal
The fraud allegations were tied to funds allocated for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project, both regarded as strategic infrastructure projects aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing electricity crisis.
Justice Omotosho criticised the former minister’s conduct, stating that rather than creating a legacy in Nigeria’s power sector, public funds were allegedly diverted for personal benefit.
“Little wonder Nigerians have remained in darkness till today,” the judge reportedly said during the ruling.
The remarks have since sparked renewed conversations around corruption and the state of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
EFCC’s Case Against Saleh Mamman
The EFCC arraigned Mamman in July 2024 under suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
The commission accused him of conspiracy, money laundering and criminal breach of trust involving public funds.
Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office.
The conviction now adds his name to the growing list of former public officials prosecuted over corruption-related offences in Nigeria.
FAQ: Saleh Mamman Fraud Case
Who is Saleh Mamman?
Saleh Mamman is a former Nigerian Minister of Power who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Why was Saleh Mamman jailed?
He was jailed over a N33.8bn fraud and money laundering case involving funds meant for power projects in Nigeria.
How many years was Saleh Mamman sentenced to?
The Federal High Court sentenced him to 75 years imprisonment.
What was Saleh Mamman accused of?
He was accused of conspiracy, money laundering and diversion of public funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects.
Why was Saleh Mamman sentenced in absentia?
The court ruled that his absence was a deliberate attempt to frustrate justice and proceeded with sentencing under provisions of Nigerian law.
Did the court issue an arrest warrant for Saleh Mamman?
Yes. The court ordered security agencies and Interpol to arrest him wherever he is found.
What properties were forfeited in the case?
The court ordered forfeiture of foreign currencies and several Abuja properties linked to the fraud.
What is the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project?
The Mambilla project is one of Nigeria’s major power generation projects designed to improve electricity supply nationwide.
What role did EFCC play in the case?
The EFCC investigated and prosecuted the case against Saleh Mamman before the Federal High Court.
What did the judge say during the judgment?
Justice James Omotosho criticised the former minister for allegedly diverting funds instead of improving Nigeria’s power sector.
When did EFCC arraign Saleh Mamman?
He was arraigned in July 2024 before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Will Saleh Mamman start serving his sentence immediately?
The court ruled that the sentence would begin from the date of his arrest.
Was Saleh Mamman given an option of fine?
Only one count carried an option of N10 million fine. Most counts carried prison terms without an option of fine.
How much money was allegedly diverted?
The EFCC alleged that about N33.8 billion was diverted through various fraudulent transactions.
Why is the case significant in Nigeria?
The conviction is one of the most high-profile corruption cases involving a former Nigerian cabinet minister in recent years.