Former Buhari Minister Sentenced to 75 Years Imprisonment for Alleged ₦33.8bn Theft

former minster for power
  • Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment for allegedly stealing ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
  • The verdict has sparked widespread reactions online, with Nigerians questioning asset recovery and corruption in government.

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over the misappropriation of public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion.

The judgment, which has sparked massive reactions online, marks one of the biggest corruption convictions involving a former Nigerian cabinet member in recent years.

According to reports, the court found Mamman guilty of diverting billions of naira meant for public projects during his time as Minister of Power under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

The development has triggered widespread conversations on social media, with many Nigerians questioning whether the allegedly stolen funds would be recovered and properly utilized.

Reacting to the news, one X user, Thankgod Okonkwo, wrote:

“Not to jail him is the problem, but the power he stole if recovered will it be put to use or re-stolen by those that recover it?”

Another user, @TheAdjowa, expressed outrage over the scale of the crime:

“What happened to death by hanging or firing squad?? This is a serious crime o.”

Some users also questioned whether the sentence would eventually be reduced through appeals or political influence.

“The problem now is he fit appeal make the judiciary reduce am or free am or make them give am presidential pardon,” one user wrote.

Others compared the case to ongoing corruption allegations against other politicians.

“When will Yahaya Bello be arrested and get his own judgement?” another commenter asked.

Meanwhile, several Nigerians described the ₦33.8 billion fraud allegation as shocking, especially amid worsening economic hardship in the country.

“You could imagine what many others occupying more privileged offices steal,” a user identified as J-Wealth reacted.