By Jane Okafor, Abuja
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Kolawole Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency accused the former minister of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert and launder funds meant for critical power projects across the country.
Justice Omotosho sentenced Mamman to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while he received three years and two years respectively on counts four and five.
The judge ruled that the sentences would run consecutively and without the option of fine, except for count four, where the convict was given the option of a N10 million fine.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of several foreign currencies recovered from the former minister, as well as four high-value properties in Abuja linked to him.
The Daily Crucible reports that Mamman who had earlier obtained the Nomination and Expression of Interest forms of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. He served as power minister during the second term administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mamman was arraigned by the EFCC in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion allegedly diverted from funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects. He had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the trial, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before the court in support of its case.
Justice Omotosho had earlier convicted Mamman in absentia on May 7 after ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, Mamman’s counsel, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that he was unaware of his client’s whereabouts, adding that repeated attempts to reach him through his phone lines were unsuccessful.
Following the sentencing, the judge directed all security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to ensure the arrest of the former minister, noting that his jail term would commence from the date of his arrest.
