A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over fraud and money laundering involving about N33.8 billion.
The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted the former minister on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
According to the court, Mamman received seven-year jail terms on 10 counts, while he was sentenced to three years and two years respectively on counts four and five. The court ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, with no option of fine except on one count where a N10 million fine was permitted.
Justice Omotosho also ordered the forfeiture of several foreign currencies recovered from the convict as well as four properties in Abuja linked to the fraud.
The court held that the prosecution successfully established Mamman’s culpability beyond reasonable doubt in relation to funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
During the trial, the court found that the former minister illegally diverted public funds through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to him. The judge further held that Mamman made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about N200 million, for a property in Abuja without involving any financial institution.
Justice Omotosho criticised the former minister for failing to leave a positive legacy in Nigeria’s power sector despite occupying a strategic office under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The judge stated that instead of helping to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges, the former minister enriched himself at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.
Mamman was absent during both his conviction and sentencing. Following his absence, the court ordered security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to ensure his arrest. The sentence is expected to commence from the day he is apprehended.
The former minister served in the administration of President Buhari and was earlier arrested by the EFCC in 2021 follow
Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The National Concord Blog Newsletter for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now below!
