Date: May 13, 2026 l By Benson Kimberly
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. The judgment marks one of the most significant corruption convictions involving a former cabinet minister in recent years.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court ruled that prosecutors successfully proved the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
The former minister was sentenced in absentia after failing to appear in court during the judgment and sentencing proceedings. Justice Omotosho described his absence as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the administration of justice and ruled that the sentencing could proceed legally under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
According to the court, Mamman received seven years imprisonment each on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 without the option of a fine. He was also sentenced to three years imprisonment on count four with an option of a ₦10 million fine and two years imprisonment on count five without an option of fine. The sentences are to run consecutively, bringing the total prison term to 75 years.
The EFCC accused Mamman of diverting billions of naira allocated for the execution of the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects while serving under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021. Investigators alleged that large portions of the funds were moved through Bureau de Change operators and converted into foreign currencies before being distributed.
During the trial, the anti-graft agency called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits to support its case. The court heard that part of the diverted funds was allegedly used to purchase luxury properties in Abuja and other assets within and outside Nigeria.
Justice Omotosho criticized the former minister’s handling of Nigeria’s power sector, stating that instead of building a lasting legacy, he enriched himself while millions of Nigerians continued to suffer poor electricity supply.
The court also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered properties, foreign currencies, and funds traced to Mamman. In addition, the judge directed him to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion the prosecution established had been diverted from the hydroelectric projects.
Justice Omotosho further instructed all security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and transfer him to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence. The court ruled that his jail term would officially commence from the date of his arrest. Mamman was first arraigned in July 2024 after the EFCC filed charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion. Earlier this month, the court had already convicted him on all counts before adjourning for sentencing.
The judgment has sparked reactions across Nigeria, particularly in Taraba State, where Mamman remains a notable political figure. While anti-corruption advocates praised the ruling as a major victory for accountability, some of his supporters claimed the case was politically motivated due to his reported interest in the 2027 governorship race.