A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of corruption and money laundering linked to major hydroelectric power projects in Nigeria.
Justice James Omotosho convicted the former minister on a 12-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The charges were connected to the alleged diversion of about ₦33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects during Mamman’s time in office as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
According to the court, the former minister illegally moved public funds through Bureau de Change operators and other channels in violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of properties and funds linked to the fraud case.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively rather than concurrently, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
Reports further stated that Mamman was convicted in absentia after allegedly disappearing before the judgment was delivered.
The court subsequently directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest him wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.