Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been sentenced to 75 years in prison over a N33.8bn money laundering case. Justice James Omotosho also ordered Interpol and security agencies to arrest him
Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years in Jail Over N33.8bn Fraud Case
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years’ imprisonment in absentia over a N33.8bn money laundering and fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed by the anti-graft agency after ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Omotosho ordered that the prison terms run consecutively rather than concurrently, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 75 years.
The former minister was handed seven years’ imprisonment each on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 without an option of fine.
He was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on count four with an option of a N10m fine, while count five attracted two years’ imprisonment without an option of fine.
The judge described Mamman’s absence during the judgment and sentencing proceedings as “a deliberate attempt to frustrate the administration of justice.”
Relying on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the court agreed with EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), that sentencing could proceed despite the defendant’s absence.
Justice Omotosho subsequently directed all 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.
The court ruled that the jail term would commence from the date of his arrest.
The judge also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies and properties linked to the former minister, including assets traced to him in Abuja.
In addition, the court directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the N22bn which the prosecution established was diverted from funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was initially arraigned in July 2024 on allegations bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8bn in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
Justice Omotosho had earlier convicted the former minister in absentia on May 7 after holding that the EFCC successfully established his culpability beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest.
