The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a cumulative 75 years’ imprisonment over ₦33.8bn fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Trial judge, James Omotosho, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total jail term of 75 years.
Mamman was, however, convicted and sentenced in absentia after failing to appear in court for the judgment and previous proceedings.
Justice Omotosho held that the ex-minister’s absence was a deliberate attempt to frustrate justice, ruling that the court was empowered under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to proceed with sentencing in his absence.
The judge subsequently directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest the convict wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to serve his sentence.
A breakdown of the sentence showed that Mamman was handed seven years’ imprisonment each on 10 counts without an option of fine, three years on one count with an option of ₦10m fine, and two years on another count without an option of fine.
The court further ordered the final forfeiture of two Abuja properties linked to the convict, as well as funds recovered in different currencies.
Justice Omotosho also directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance of the ₦22bn already traced to the power projects out of the ₦33.8bn allegedly diverted.
The conviction followed a protracted trial initiated by the EFCC, which accused the former minister of collaborating with ministry officials and private firms to siphon funds earmarked for critical power infrastructure.
Mamman was first arraigned on July 11, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits to establish its case.
The defendant had filed a no-case submission in November 2025, contending that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. However, the court dismissed the application in December 2025, ordering him to open his defence.
Wednesday’s judgment brings to a close the high-profile corruption case, which began with Mamman’s arrest by the EFCC on May 10, 2021.
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