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 the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, delivered the judgment on Wednesday after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison terms attached to the various counts would run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The court also ordered that the sentence should begin from the date Mamman is arrested, as he was convicted and sentenced in absentia.
Justice Omotosho further directed all security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found.
In addition, the court ordered that all monies and properties recovered from Mamman be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The judge also directed the former minister to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project.
The conviction followed a prolonged trial instituted by the EFCC, which accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert approximately ₦33.8 billion earmarked for the two major power projects.
Mamman was first arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 11, 2024, on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the proceedings, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.
After the prosecution closed its case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the evidence presented against him was insufficient to require him to open a defence.
However, in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that the EFCC had established a prima facie case against the former minister.
The judge clarified at the time that the ruling did not amount to a declaration of guilt but indicated that enough evidence existed requiring the defendant to respond to the allegations.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to February 23, 2026, for the commencement of defence proceedings.
Wednesday’s judgment concludes a high-profile corruption case that began with Mamman’s arrest and detention by the EFCC on May 10, 2021.
