A Federal High Court has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of ₦33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The former minister, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration between August 2019 and July 2021, was convicted over allegations of large-scale financial fraud involving funds earmarked for critical power infrastructure projects.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mamman allegedly diverted the funds through ministry officials, private companies, and Bureau de Change operators during his time in office.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that part of the diverted funds was used to purchase governorship nomination forms for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba State.
Court Orders Arrest
Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho sentenced Mamman on multiple counts and ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The former minister, who reportedly fled and was absent during the final court proceedings, is currently on the run.
The court further ordered that the jail term would commence from the day of his arrest and directed all security agencies, including Interpol, to apprehend him wherever he is found.
Properties Forfeited
In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered that all recovered funds and forfeited assets linked to the fraud be returned to the Federal Government.
Mamman was also directed to refund an outstanding ₦22 billion connected to the affected hydroelectric power projects.
Meanwhile, the former minister is said to be facing another corruption-related trial at the FCT High Court in Maitama over the alleged diversion of an additional ₦31 billion tied to the Mambilla Power Project.
The judgment has sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians describing the ruling as one of the most significant corruption convictions involving a former cabinet member in recent years.
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