Judiciary
BREAKING:Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Jailed 75 Years For ₦33.8bn Fraud Case
Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been convicted and sentenced to a total of 75 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja over a ₦33.
The trial judge, 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.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison terms attached to each count would run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 75 years.
The court further directed that the sentence would take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest, as he was convicted in absentia.
The judge also ordered all security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is located. In addition, all funds and properties recovered from him were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court equally directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project.
The conviction followed a prolonged trial initiated by the EFCC, which accused the former minister of working with ministry officials and private firms to divert about ₦33.8 billion allocated to the two major power projects.
Mamman was first 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 proceedings, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits to support its case.
After the prosecution closed its case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, contending that the evidence presented against him was insufficient for him to open a defence.
However, in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, stating that the prosecution had established a prima facie case. The judge clarified that the ruling was not a declaration of guilt but an indication that enough evidence existed for the defendant to respond to the allegations.
The matter was later adjourned to February 23, 2026, for the commencement of the defence.
Wednesday’s judgement concludes the high-profile corruption case that began with Mamman’s arrest and detention by the EFCC on May 10, 2021.(Channels)
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