ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after convicting him of money laundering and fraud totaling ₦33.8 billion.
The verdict follows an intensive prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all 12 criminal counts. Because the judge ruled that the jail sentences will run consecutively, the former cabinet minister faces a cumulative 75-year term behind bars with no option of a fine on 11 of the counts.
Missing Convict Facing Interpol Manhunt
The severe custodial sentence was handed down in absentia after Mamman continuously failed to appear for his scheduled court dates.
- Bench Warrant Issued: Justice Omotosho issued a bench warrant and directed all national security agencies and Interpol to track down, arrest, and hand over the fugitive former minister to prison authorities.
- Delayed Prison Term: The court ordered that the 75-year jail term will officially begin on the exact day security operatives take Mamman into custody.
- Defense Statement: Defence counsel Mohammed Ahmed admitted in open court that he did not know his client’s current whereabouts, stating that all phone lines to the former minister were disconnected.
Plundering of Critical Hydroelectric Projects
The trial detailed a systematic plot to plunder public funds that were meant to develop national electricity infrastructure.
The diverted ₦33.8 billion was strictly allocated by the federal government for the execution of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects. The EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits proving that Mamman conspired with ministry staff to channel the money through Bureau de Change operators. The stolen funds were converted to foreign currency and used to purchase luxury private properties.
Forfeiture and Financial Recovery Orders
Alongside the heavy jail term, the federal court ordered immediate asset recovery measures:
- Property Seizure: Absolute forfeiture of four choice properties traced to Mamman within Abuja.
- Cash Confiscation: Seizure of all foreign currencies recovered from the convict during investigations.
- Financial Restitution: Mamman is legally ordered to pay back the remaining unrecovered balance of ₦22 billion to the federal treasury.
Fayose Blasts Systematic Looting
The landmark ruling has generated intense public anger across Nigeria over persistent national grid collapses. Political analyst Isaac Fayose blasted the corruption in a viral social media commentary, using the case to explain Nigeria’s electricity failure.
“You see why there’s no light?” Fayose asked citizens. He stated that a single minister under the former Muhammadu Buhari administration stole over ₦33.8 billion meant for basic infrastructure. Fayose questioned how the power grid could function under such looting, noting that major operations in the NNPC, aviation, and other federal sectors still require similar heavy scrutiny.
Justice Omotosho heavily criticized the former minister during the sentencing, stating that Mamman’s greed directly caused the prolonged darkness and economic hardship suffered by millions of Nigerian citizens.
