ABUJA — In a landmark judgment delivered on Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a staggering total of 75 years in prison. The conviction marks a major victory for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its decade-long battle against high-level corruption within Nigeria's critical infrastructure sector.
Convicted in Absentia: A Fugitive from Justice
The presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of money laundering and conspiracy. Notably, the former Minister was sentenced in absentia after failing to appear for the final court proceedings. Justice Omotosho slammed Mamman’s absence as a "deliberate attempt to frustrate the administration of justice," noting that the court had the full legal authority under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to proceed with sentencing regardless of the defendant’s flight.
To ensure the sentence is carried out, the court has directed all security agencies including Interpol to apprehend Mamman wherever he is found across the globe. His prison term will officially commence on the day of his arrest.
The Mechanics of the ₦33.8 Billion Heist
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021, was accused of orchestrating the massive diversion of funds originally earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. These projects were designed to be the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security, yet billions were allegedly siphoned through:
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Collaborations with unscrupulous ministry officials.
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Shell private companies and front businesses.
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Bureau de Change (BDC) operators used to launder the stolen cash.
The court heard how these funds, which should have been powering millions of Nigerian homes, were instead diverted into personal assets and political campaigns. Mamman reportedly used portions of the loot to purchase APC governorship forms in Taraba State.
Breaking Down the 75-Year Sentence
Justice Omotosho ordered that the sentences for the 12 counts run consecutively, meaning the convict must serve the duration of each count one after the other. The breakdown is as follows:
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Seven years each for Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (No option of fine).
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Three years for Count 4 (Option of a ₦10 million fine).
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Two years for Count 5 (No option of fine).
Beyond the prison time, the court ordered the final forfeiture of Mamman’s two luxury properties in Abuja and all recovered cash in various foreign currencies. Most significantly, the convict was ordered to refund the outstanding balance of ₦22 billion already traced to the sabotaged power projects.
A Four-Year Legal Battle Concludes
This conviction is the climax of a journey that began with Mamman’s arrest on May 10, 2021. Throughout the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits, effectively proving that the Minister was the mastermind behind the missing funds. While Mamman attempted to halt the case with a "no-case submission" in 2025, the court dismissed it, insisting he had a mountain of evidence to answer to.
With a 75-year sentence hanging over his head and a global manhunt underway, the judiciary has sent a clear message: those who betray the public trust by sabotaging national development projects will eventually face the full weight of the law.
