The 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 involving about ₦33.8 billion.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment, convicting Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
The court imposed seven years’ imprisonment on each of 10 counts, while he was also sentenced to three years and two years on counts four and five respectively. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a total of 75 years, with no option of fine except on count four, where a ₦10 million fine was granted.
Justice Omotosho further ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict, alongside four high-value properties in Abuja traced to him.
It would be recalled that the court had earlier convicted Mamman in absentia on May 7 after being satisfied that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge held that the former minister was complicit in the diversion of public funds, including allegations of a $655,700 cash payment used to acquire landed property in Abuja without going through a financial institution.
He was also found guilty of criminal breach of trust in relation to funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Justice Omotosho noted that much of the illicit funds were allegedly moved through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currency before handing it over to him.
Describing the defence as weak, the judge held that the prosecution’s evidence was overwhelming and unchallenged in material respects.
He further stated that rather than focusing on improving Nigeria’s struggling power sector, the former minister allegedly enriched himself at the expense of citizens.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was not present in court for sentencing. His counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, told the court he could not account for his whereabouts, adding that attempts to reach him had failed.
The court had earlier issued a warrant for his arrest and directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure he is apprehended.
Justice Omotosho ordered that the sentence will begin counting from the day Mamman is arrested and taken into custody.
