Court convicts Mamman on all counts, orders arrest as fugitive ex-minister is sentenced in absentia and assets forfeited to FG

A Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a cumulative 75-year prison sentence to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after finding him guilty of large-scale corruption tied to Nigeria’s Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that he orchestrated the diversion of approximately ₦33.8 billion through a network of ministry officials, private firms, and Bureau de Change operators.

In a decisive judgment, the court ordered that the sentences on each count run consecutively, resulting in a total of 75 years behind bars.

Mamman, who was absent during the proceedings and is believed to be on the run, was convicted in absentia. The court directed Nigerian security agencies, in collaboration with Interpol, to track him down and ensure his immediate arrest. Justice Omotosho further ruled that the prison term will take effect from the date of his capture.

Beyond the custodial sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of all funds and assets traced to the fraudulent scheme to the Federal Government. Mamman was also mandated to refund an outstanding ₦22 billion linked to the projects.

The former minister is separately facing another corruption trial at the FCT High Court in Maitama over the alleged diversion of an additional ₦31 billion associated with the Mambilla Power Project.

Despite his legal troubles, reports indicate Mamman recently obtained APC governorship nomination forms in Taraba State, raising fresh questions about political accountability.