The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced the 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.
Key Highlights:
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgement on Wednesday, after finding the former minister guilty on all 12 counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ruled that the prison terms attached to each count would run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.
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Justice Omotosho also ordered that the sentence should begin from the date Mamman is arrested, as he was convicted in absentia.
The judge further directed security agencies across the country to arrest the former minister wherever he is found.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of all recovered monies and properties linked to the former minister to the federal government.
The judge also directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project.
According to the EFCC, the former minister conspired with ministry officials and private companies to divert about ₦33.8 billion earmarked for the two major power projects.
Mamman 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 before the court in support of its case.
Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the evidence presented against him was insufficient to require him to enter a defence.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the former minister.
The case was subsequently adjourned for the commencement of defence before Wednesday’s final judgement, which brings to an end one of Nigeria’s high-profile corruption trials involving a former cabinet member.
Mamman was initially arrested and detained by the EFCC on May 10, 2021, over allegations surrounding the management of funds allocated to the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.
