Court Jails Ex-Power Minister Mamman 75 Years for Fraud
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years’ imprisonment after convicting him on charges of money laundering and fraud involving N33.8bn.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
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The sentences, which the court ordered to run consecutively, amount to a total of 75 years without an option of fine. Mamman received seven years’ imprisonment each on 10 counts, while he was handed additional terms of three years on one count with an option of a N10m fine, and two years on another count without an option of fine.
The judge noted that Mamman’s absence during the proceedings was deliberate and described it as an attempt to delay justice. Relying on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the court ruled that sentencing could proceed in his absence.
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Justice Omotosho also ordered all security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest the former minister wherever he is found and ensure he begins serving his sentence upon apprehension. He added that the jail term would commence from the date of his arrest.
The court further directed the final forfeiture of funds, properties, and foreign assets linked to Mamman, including assets traced to him in Abuja. He was also ordered to refund outstanding sums linked to funds diverted from major hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was earlier arraigned in 2024 over allegations bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public funds tied to national power projects.
