The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment for stealing public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion.
The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman on all 12 counts of fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts, while he received three years and two years on counts four and five respectively.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively without the option of fine, except for count four where the court permitted the payment of a ₦10 million fine.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of various foreign currencies recovered from the convict, alongside four high-value properties in Abuja traced to him.
It would be recalled that the court had earlier convicted Mamman in absentia on May 7.
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
He consequently found him guilty on all charges contained in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The court found that he made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to ₦200 million, for a landed property in Abuja without using any financial institution.
He was also found guilty of criminal breach of trust relating to funds released by the federal government for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.
According to the court, a significant portion of the funds was diverted through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to the defendant.
Justice Omotosho said the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming.
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant.”
“The defendant did not offer any credible evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case.”
The judge also criticised Mamman’s conduct while in office, noting that he failed to use his position to improve Nigeria’s electricity sector.
“Rather than creating a legacy to tackle the epileptic power supply in the country, the defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens.”
“Little wonder that Nigerians have remained in darkness till today.”
Mamman was absent both during his conviction and sentencing.
The court had earlier issued a warrant for his arrest.
His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that he did not know his client’s whereabouts and that all attempts to reach him through his phone lines had failed.
Following the sentencing, Justice Omotosho directed all Nigerian security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to ensure his arrest.
The court further ruled that his prison sentence would begin from the day he is apprehended.
What You Should Know
The conviction of Saleh Mamman marks one of Nigeria’s most significant anti-corruption rulings involving a former cabinet minister.
The case centred on the alleged diversion of funds meant for critical power infrastructure projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric plants.
The 75-year cumulative sentence, alongside property forfeiture and an international arrest directive, underscores the judiciary’s tougher stance on high-profile corruption.
However, Mamman’s absence raises fresh concerns about enforcement and whether security agencies can swiftly execute the arrest order to ensure the sentence is served.
