A 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 Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ordered that the prison terms imposed on the separate counts run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 75 years.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentence would commence from the date Mamman is arrested, as the former minister was convicted and sentenced in absentia.
The judge also directed all security agencies to arrest Mamman wherever he is found.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the former minister to the Federal Government.
Justice Omotosho further directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The EFCC had accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert approximately ₦33.8 billion earmarked for the two major power projects.
The former minister was 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 the charges.
During the trial, the anti-graft agency presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits to support its case.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the EFCC failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring him to enter a defence.
However, in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the former minister.
The judge clarified at the time that the ruling was not a declaration of guilt, but merely an indication that sufficient evidence existed for Mamman to respond to the allegations.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to February 23, 2026, for the commencement of defence proceedings.
Wednesday’s judgment brings to an end a high-profile corruption case that began after Mamman’s arrest and detention by the EFCC on May 10, 2021.
