Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
A former Nigerian Minister of Power has been sentenced to a total of 75 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of conspiring to divert ₦33.8 billion intended for two major hydroelectric projects.
The Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Saleh Mamman, who served as Minister of Power, on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the prison terms on each count should run consecutively, amounting to 75 years. The sentence was handed down in absentia, with the judge ordering that it take effect from the date of the convict’s arrest.
All security agencies have been instructed to locate and apprehend Mamman. The court further ordered the forfeiture of all money and property recovered from the former minister to the Federal Government, and directed him to refund the outstanding balance of the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects.
The EFCC had accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert approximately ₦33.8 billion from the two flagship power schemes.
He was first arraigned on 11 July 2024, pleading not guilty. During the trial, prosecutors called 17 witnesses and presented 43 exhibits.
Mamman filed a no-case submission on 19 November 2025, arguing the evidence was insufficient. That application was dismissed by Justice Omotosho on 11 December 2025, who ruled that a prima facie case had been established.
The case had been adjourned for the defence to open on 23 February 2026. Wednesday’s judgment brings a close to a high-profile corruption investigation that began with Mamman’s arrest and detention by the EFCC on 10 May 2021.
