Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, convicted and sentenced to 75 years in prison over ₦33.8 billion fraud involving major hydroelectric projects.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgement on Wednesday after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court ordered that the prison terms attached to each count run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that the sentence would begin from the date Mamman is arrested, as the former minister was sentenced in absentia.
The court directed all security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found.
In addition, the judge ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the former minister to the Federal Government.
The court further directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
According to the EFCC, the former minister conspired with ministry officials and private companies to divert about ₦33.8 billion earmarked for the two power projects.
Mamman was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 11, 2024, on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits as evidence before the court.
After the prosecution closed its case, Mamman filed a no-case submission in November 2025, arguing that the evidence against him was insufficient.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application in December 2025, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring the former minister to enter his defence.
The matter was later adjourned for the commencement of defence proceedings before Wednesday’s final judgement.
The conviction concludes a high-profile corruption case that began with Mamman’s arrest and detention by the EFCC in May 2021.
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