By Vincent Egunyanga, Abuja
A former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was on Wednesday sentenced to 75 years imprisonment in absentia by the Federal High Court in Abuja over a ₦33.8 billion money laundering scandal linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, marked a dramatic climax to one of the country’s biggest corruption trials involving a former cabinet minister, with the court also activating an international manhunt for the fugitive ex-minister.
Justice Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. The judge ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, effectively handing the former minister a cumulative 75-year jail term.
The court held that Mamman deliberately stayed away from proceedings in a desperate bid to frustrate justice.
“The absence of the defendant in court today and at the last adjourned date is a clear attempt to stop the wheel of justice,” Justice Omotosho declared during the sentencing.
The judge agreed with EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, empowered the court to proceed with sentencing despite the defendant’s absence.
Justice Omotosho stressed that Mamman could not claim he was denied a fair hearing, insisting that the prosecution had overwhelmingly established the charges against him beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The court is satisfied that the prosecution has proved its case. The defendant cannot hide under his absence to claim a miscarriage of justice,” the judge ruled.
Mamman was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment on each of Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, without the option of a fine.
He also bagged three years’ imprisonment on Count 4, with an option of a ₦10 million fine, and two years’ imprisonment on Count 5, without an option of fine.
*Interpol directed to track ex-power minister worldwide
Justice Omotosho directed that all the prison terms must run consecutively and would commence from the date of the former minister’s arrest.
In a major escalation of the case, the court instructed all security agencies within and outside Nigeria, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.
*Court orders forfeiture of Abuja assets, stolen funds refund
The judge also approved the final forfeiture of two high-value Abuja properties linked to the convict, alongside monies recovered in different currencies by anti-graft agencies during investigations.
Beyond the forfeited assets, the court mandated Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion already traced to him out of the ₦33.8 billion allegedly siphoned from the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
Investigations by the EFCC had revealed an alleged network of fraudulent transactions involving ministry officials and private companies, aimed at diverting funds intended for critical power projects.
The anti-graft agency accused Mamman of laundering public funds through proxies, shell companies and multiple bank accounts while serving as minister under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Mamman was first arraigned on July 11, 2024, on a 12-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits, including bank records, transaction documents and property papers, in support of its case.
After the prosecution closed its case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the EFCC failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring him to open his defence.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, holding that the anti-graft agency had established a prima facie case against the former minister.
“The court is not at this stage determining guilt but whether there is sufficient evidence linking the defendant to the offences alleged,” the judge had ruled at the time.
The matter was subsequently adjourned for continuation of defence before Wednesday’s final judgment sealed Mamman’s fate.
The conviction is being seen in legal and political circles as one of the most significant corruption verdicts secured against a former minister in recent years, especially involving funds tied to strategic national infrastructure projects.
The Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects are among Nigeria’s biggest power sector investments designed to boost electricity generation and address the country’s chronic energy crisis. Investigators alleged that billions earmarked for the projects were diverted rather than deployed for execution.
Mamman’s ordeal began with his arrest and detention by the EFCC on May 10, 2021, after months of investigation into alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as power minister.
