ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a landmark corruption ruling, sentencing former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of multiple counts of financial crimes involving the alleged diversion of billions of naira meant for critical national power projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, following the conclusion of proceedings instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Mamman was arraigned on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and the misappropriation of public funds.
According to the court, the prosecution successfully established that the former minister was involved in the unlawful diversion of approximately ₦33.8 billion — funds earmarked for major electricity infrastructure projects across Nigeria, including key components of the Mambilla Hydro Power Project and other intervention programmes within the power sector.
During the trial, the EFCC presented documentary evidence, bank records, and witness testimonies linking the defendant to a complex web of financial transactions allegedly used to siphon public funds through proxy accounts and companies. The prosecution argued that the actions of the former minister contributed to delays and setbacks in Nigeria’s power sector development.
In delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently convicted Mamman on all 12 counts and imposed varying prison terms for each count, ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 75 years imprisonment.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of properties and assets traced to proceeds of the crime, including funds recovered from bank accounts linked to the former minister. Additionally, the court directed that all outstanding sums connected to the fraudulent transactions be recovered for restitution to the federal government.
Because the defendant was not present in court at the time of judgment, the court ordered that the sentence take effect immediately upon his arrest. Security agencies were further directed to ensure his apprehension and enforcement of the judgment.
The ruling marks one of the most significant convictions involving a former cabinet official in Nigeria’s power sector, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance on corruption and financial misconduct in public office.
