Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting the former minister on all 12 counts brought against him by the anti-graft agency. The court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge ordered that the prison terms run consecutively rather than concurrently, resulting in a total jail sentence of 75 years.
Mamman was sentenced to seven years imprisonment each on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 without the option of fine. He was also sentenced to three years imprisonment on count four with an option of a N10 million fine, while count five attracted a two-year jail term without an option of fine.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Mamman’s absence during the judgment and sentencing proceedings was 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 the sentencing could proceed despite the defendant’s absence.
The court subsequently directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest the former minister wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence. The judge stated that the jail term would commence from the date of his arrest.
Justice Omotosho also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies and properties linked to the convict, including properties traced to him in Abuja.
The court further directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the N22 billion which the prosecution established was diverted from funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was first arraigned in July 2024 on allegations bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
Justice Omotosho had earlier convicted the former minister in absentia on May 7 after ruling that the EFCC established his culpability beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest.
Court sentences former Minister Mamman 75 Years imprisonment over N33.8 billion fraud
