The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty of money laundering involving N33.8 billion linked to major power projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Mamman on all 12 counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which bordered on conspiracy and money laundering tied to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects.
The court ordered that the terms of imprisonment would run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 75 years.
Mamman was not present in court at the time of sentencing.
The judge noted that his repeated absence, including on the adjourned date, appeared to be a deliberate attempt to delay or obstruct the proceedings.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho agreed with EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 permits sentencing in the absence of a defendant.
He stated that the convict could not later claim a miscarriage of justice.
On sentencing details, the court imposed seven years’ imprisonment each on Counts 1, 2, 3, and 6 through 12, all without an option of fine.
On Count 4, Mamman received three years’ imprisonment with an option of a N10 million fine, while Count 5 carried two years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
All sentences were ordered to run consecutively.
The judge further ruled that the sentence would take effect from the date Mamman is arrested, since the conviction was entered in absentia.
Security agencies, both within and outside Nigeria, including Interpol, were directed to arrest him wherever he is found and ensure he is handed over to the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The court also ordered the final forfeiture of two Abuja properties linked to the former minister, alongside funds recovered in multiple currencies by anti-graft authorities.
In addition, Mamman was ordered to refund the outstanding balance from the N22 billion already traced to the affected power projects, out of the N33.8 billion allegedly diverted.
The case stemmed from a long-running prosecution by the EFCC, which accused the former minister of conspiring with ministry officials and private firms to siphon funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric schemes.
He was arraigned on July 11, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses and submitted 43 exhibits in support of its case.
After the prosecution closed, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to require a defence.
However, the court dismissed the application on December 11, 2025, ruling that a prima facie case had been established.
Justice Omotosho clarified at the time that the decision was not a determination of guilt but an order for the defendant to respond to the allegations.
The matter was later adjourned for defence before the final judgment brought the trial to a close.
Mamman’s arrest and detention by the EFCC began on May 10, 2021, marking the start of the prolonged corruption trial that has now ended in conviction and sentencing.
