By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted and sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud linked to major hydroelectric power projects.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ruled that the sentences on each count will run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years. It also ordered that the sentence takes effect from the date of his arrest, noting that Mamman was convicted in absentia.
Justice Omotosho directed security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found. He also ordered the forfeiture of all recovered funds and properties to the Federal Government.
## Fraud Linked to Power Projects
The case is tied to funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects, where about ₦33.8 billion was allegedly diverted.
The court further ordered Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from about ₦22 billion traced to the projects.
Trial History
Mamman was first arraigned on July 11, 2024, on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits during the trial.
His no-case submission in November 2025 was dismissed by the court in December 2025, which held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case.
The judgment brings closure to one of the most high-profile corruption trials in Nigeria’s power sector since his arrest by the EFCC in May 2021
