Ex-Power Minister, Saleh Mamman bags 75-year jail term over ₦33.8bn fraud
By Dally Iyamu
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years’ imprisonment for the diversion of about ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court held that the ex-minister would serve seven years’ imprisonment on each of 10 counts, in addition to three years on one count and two years on another.
Justice Omotosho ordered that the sentences run consecutively, with no option of fine except on one count where a fine of ₦10 million was allowed.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict as well as four Abuja properties traced to the illicit funds.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found to have diverted funds earmarked for major power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power schemes.
The judge ruled that part of the diverted funds was used for personal property acquisitions, including a dollar transaction for land in Abuja conducted outside the banking system.
Justice Omotosho noted that the prosecution presented strong and consistent evidence, while the defence failed to provide convincing responses to the allegations.
He added that the former minister’s actions amounted to a gross neglect of public duty, stressing that public resources meant to improve electricity supply were instead misused.
Mamman was absent in court when the judgment was delivered, having earlier been convicted in absentia.
Consequently, a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Following the sentencing, the court directed security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to track and apprehend him.
The prison term will commence upon his arrest and custody.
