Court Orders Arrest of Former Minister Mamman After 75-Year Sentence

Saleh Mamman Sentenced Over Diversion of Funds Meant for Power Projects

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment after convicting him on multiple counts of corruption and money laundering involving approximately ₦33.8 billion linked to major hydroelectric power projects in Nigeria.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges bordered on conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public funds tied to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

/ You Might Also Like /

The ruling marks one of the most significant corruption convictions involving a former federal cabinet member in recent years and reinforces ongoing anti-corruption enforcement efforts targeting public officials accused of financial crimes.

Court Convicts Mamman on All 12 Counts

According to court proceedings, the EFCC accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private firms to divert billions of naira allocated for strategic power infrastructure projects during his tenure as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021.

The prosecution argued that the funds were unlawfully moved through Bureau de Change operators and converted into foreign currencies in violation of Nigeria’s anti-money laundering laws.

Justice Omotosho ruled that the EFCC successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt after presenting documentary evidence, financial records, and witness testimony during the trial.

The court imposed separate prison terms across the 12 counts, with most counts attracting seven-year jail terms, while others carried two-year and three-year sentences. The judge ordered the sentences to run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative 75-year prison term.

Sentence Delivered in Absentia

The judgment was delivered in absentia after Mamman reportedly failed to appear in court during sentencing proceedings.

According to court records, Mamman had also failed to appear during a previous adjourned hearing, prompting concerns regarding deliberate attempts to evade the judicial process.

Justice Omotosho subsequently directed security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found.

The judge also ruled that the prison sentence would take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest.

Fraud Linked to Major Power Infrastructure Projects

The corruption charges were connected to funds allocated for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project, two of Nigeria’s largest electricity infrastructure initiatives.

The Mambilla Hydroelectric Project, located in Taraba State, has long been considered one of Nigeria’s most ambitious power generation projects, with planned capacity exceeding 3,000 megawatts. The Zungeru Hydroelectric Project in Niger State was designed to improve electricity supply and reduce pressure on Nigeria’s national grid.

Analysts say corruption allegations surrounding major infrastructure projects continue to undermine investor confidence, delay implementation timelines, and increase fiscal pressure on government resources.

Industry experts also note that persistent governance failures within Nigeria’s power sector have contributed significantly to infrastructure deficits and electricity supply challenges affecting households and businesses nationwide.

EFCC Presented Multiple Witnesses and Exhibits

During the trial, the EFCC reportedly presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before the court to support its case against the former minister.

According to evidence presented during proceedings, Mamman allegedly transferred large sums through intermediaries and used illicit funds to acquire high-value assets, including properties in Abuja.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of properties and foreign currencies linked to the proceeds of the alleged crimes.

Investigators alleged that some transactions violated provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, particularly regarding large cash payments conducted outside regulated financial institutions.

Anti-Corruption Enforcement Remains Key Government Focus

The conviction comes amid intensified anti-corruption enforcement efforts by Nigerian authorities targeting public sector financial crimes.

The EFCC has continued to pursue several high-profile corruption cases involving former ministers, senior public officials, and politically exposed persons.

Analysts note that anti-corruption prosecutions remain central to government efforts aimed at strengthening public accountability, improving fiscal governance, and restoring confidence in public institutions.

However, governance experts also argue that Nigeria’s anti-corruption framework continues to face challenges related to delayed prosecutions, weak institutional coordination, and inconsistent enforcement outcomes.

Power Sector Governance Under Renewed Scrutiny

The case has renewed attention on governance challenges within Nigeria’s electricity sector, which continues to struggle with inadequate generation capacity, weak transmission infrastructure, and persistent funding constraints.

Nigeria’s power sector has received substantial public investment over the past two decades, yet electricity supply remains unstable across much of the country.

Infrastructure analysts argue that corruption, contract disputes, project delays, and poor policy implementation have undermined long-term sector reforms.

The Mambilla and Zungeru projects were both expected to play major roles in improving national electricity generation capacity and supporting industrial development.

However, prolonged delays and financial controversies have continued to affect implementation timelines.

Public Finance Concerns Continue to Grow

The conviction also highlights broader concerns regarding public finance management and infrastructure accountability in Nigeria.

Analysts note that large-scale infrastructure projects often involve substantial public borrowing and long-term fiscal commitments, increasing the importance of transparency and procurement oversight.

Nigeria continues to face mounting debt servicing obligations and rising fiscal pressure amid efforts to finance infrastructure expansion and economic reforms.

Development experts argue that corruption within major public projects weakens investor confidence and reduces the effectiveness of government expenditure.

Legal and Political Implications

Legal analysts describe the ruling as one of the stiffest corruption-related sentences imposed on a former federal minister in recent years.

The judgment may also reinforce pressure on public institutions to strengthen monitoring systems surrounding public procurement, contract execution, and infrastructure financing.

Political observers note that the case could influence broader discussions around accountability within previous administrations and the effectiveness of anti-corruption institutions.

However, analysts caution that long-term credibility will depend on consistent enforcement across all levels of government irrespective of political affiliation.

Conclusion

The sentencing of former Power Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years imprisonment represents a major development in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption enforcement efforts and highlights persistent governance challenges surrounding public infrastructure financing.

The case, linked to alleged diversion of ₦33.8 billion tied to strategic hydroelectric power projects, also underscores broader concerns regarding accountability, institutional transparency, and project governance within Nigeria’s energy sector.

As authorities continue to pursue anti-corruption reforms, analysts say stronger procurement oversight, judicial efficiency, and institutional accountability will remain critical to restoring public confidence and improving infrastructure delivery outcome nationwide.

READ MORE