The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment following his Mamman fraud conviction over the diversion of public funds amounting to about N33.8 billion. The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, found the former minister guilty on all 12 counts of fraud and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office in 2021. His prosecution stemmed from investigations into alleged financial misconduct linked to funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
The EFCC had accused the former minister and other suspects of conspiring to divert billions of naira intended for critical power infrastructure projects across the country. Investigators alleged that part of the funds was converted through Bureau de Change operators and used to acquire properties and other assets.
The latest judgment marks a major stage in the prolonged anti-corruption case surrounding the former minister and has intensified public attention on accountability within Nigeria’s power sector.
According to the court judgment, the Mamman fraud conviction covered 12 counts bordering on fraud, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust involving approximately N33.8 billion in public funds.
Justice Omotosho sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while he received three years and two years respectively on counts four and five. The court ruled that the sentences would run consecutively without the option of fine, except on one count where a N10 million fine was permitted.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of various foreign currencies recovered during investigations as well as four Abuja properties linked to the former minister. Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt, stating that the defence failed to provide credible evidence to challenge the EFCC’s allegations.
The judge stated: “The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant.” The court further found that the former minister made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about N200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution, contrary to financial regulations.
The Mamman fraud conviction followed an earlier ruling by the same court on May 7, when the former minister was convicted in absentia after failing to appear for judgment proceedings. The EFCC had produced 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial to support its case against the former minister and associated defendants.
The Mamman fraud conviction represents one of the most significant corruption-related judgments involving a former cabinet member in recent years. Analysts say the ruling underscores ongoing efforts by anti-graft agencies and the judiciary to strengthen accountability in the management of public infrastructure funds.
The case also places renewed attention on transparency and financial oversight within Nigeria’s power sector, particularly regarding large-scale energy projects funded with public resources. Legal observers note that the judgment could influence future anti-corruption prosecutions involving former public officials and government contractors.
