A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the court, the sentence comprises seven years imprisonment on each of 10 counts, three years on one count, and two years on another, with the terms ordered to run consecutively. The court also ruled that only one count carried an option of a ₦10 million fine, while the remaining counts attract custodial sentences without alternative fines.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the former minister, as well as four Abuja properties linked to the proceeds of the illegal funds.
Mamman was accused of diverting funds meant for key national power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric schemes. The prosecution also told the court that part of the stolen funds was used for personal acquisitions, including a dollar-denominated land transaction in Abuja conducted outside the banking system.
Justice Omotosho noted that the prosecution’s evidence was “strong and consistent,” adding that the defendant failed to provide a credible defence to counter the allegations. He further described the conduct of the former minister as a neglect of public duty, stating that resources meant to improve electricity supply were instead diverted for personal gain.
The court also ordered that security agencies work with Interpol to track and arrest Mamman, who was not present in court at the time of judgment. His sentence is expected to commence once he is taken into custody.
