Former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman sentenced to 75 years for N33.8 billion fraud

A Federal High Court in Nigeria has sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison in absentia over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court convicted Mamman on all 12 charges brought against him, ruling that prosecutors proved the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
The court ordered that the prison sentences run consecutively, resulting in a total jail term of 75 years.
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Mamman received seven-year sentences on most of the counts without the option of a fine, while additional counts attracted shorter prison terms and financial penalties.
Justice Omotosho stated that the former minister’s absence during the judgement and sentencing proceedings was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
Citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the court agreed that sentencing could proceed despite his absence.
The judge subsequently directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.
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The court further ordered the forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies, and properties linked to the former minister, including assets located in Abuja.
Mamman was also directed to refund outstanding amounts from the N22 billion allegedly diverted from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Saleh Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was first arraigned in July 2024 over allegations of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.
Edem Kwame
Edem Kwame is a journalist at GH News Media covering news and national developments in Ghana.


