Dare Babalola
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday 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.
Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, found 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 sentences on each count run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years. Justice Omotosho also ruled that the sentence would begin from the date of Mamman’s arrest, as he was convicted in absentia.
The judge further directed all security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found. He also ordered the forfeiture of all recovered funds and properties linked to the convict to the Federal Government.
In addition, the court ordered Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project.
The conviction followed a trial in which the EFCC alleged that Mamman conspired with ministry officials and private firms to divert about ₦33.8 billion allocated for the two power projects.
Mamman was arraigned on July 11, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge. During the proceedings, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits.
He later filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence. However, the court dismissed the application on December 11, 2025, holding that a prima facie case had been made against him.
The case was then adjourned for defence hearing before Wednesday’s judgment, which concludes a high-profile corruption trial that began with Mamman’s arrest by the EFCC on May 10, 2021.
