Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been sentenced to a total of 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the EFCC, bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
The court ruled that the former minister deliberately stayed away from court to frustrate justice and proceeded to sentence him in absentia.
The judge also directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest him wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.
The court further ordered the final forfeiture of his Abuja properties and funds recovered during investigations.
According to the EFCC, over ₦33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla power projects was allegedly diverted. Investigators traced at least ₦22 billion linked to the fraud.
Mamman was first arraigned in July 2024 and had pleaded not guilty before the court eventually found him guilty after a lengthy trial involving 17 witnesses and dozens of exhibits.
The judgement is already being described as one of Nigeria’s biggest corruption convictions in recent years.
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