The conviction and 75-year prison sentence handed to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has become one of Nigeria’s biggest anti-corruption cases in recent years.
The judgment followed nearly two years of investigations, court proceedings, legal arguments and dramatic twists linked to the controversial Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, was first arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2024 after investigators traced billions of naira allegedly diverted from government accounts meant for power projects.
The former minister was later arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds allegedly linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru projects.
According to court documents, the EFCC accused Mamman and others of diverting about N33.8bn through private companies, bureau de change operators and proxies.
Investigators alleged that part of the funds was converted into foreign currencies and used for property acquisitions.
During the trial, prosecutors presented bank records, financial documents, transaction trails and witness testimonies from ministry officials, bank staff and bureau de change operators.
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The prosecution argued that the movement of funds did not follow normal government financial procedures and bore clear signs of money laundering.
Mamman’s legal team denied the allegations and argued that many of the transactions were official government disbursements carried out during his time as minister.
His lawyers also challenged the admissibility of several documents presented by the EFCC and insisted the former minister did not personally benefit from the transactions.
The case experienced multiple delays due to procedural issues, health concerns and legal applications.
At one point during the proceedings, Mamman reportedly slumped in court, forcing a temporary suspension of the trial.
However, on May 7, 2026, Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts.
The judge ruled that the EFCC had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the former minister participated in the unlawful diversion and laundering of public funds.
According to the court, the transactions showed deliberate movement of public money through private entities and intermediaries to conceal the source of the funds.
The drama intensified after Mamman failed to appear in court for sentencing.
Justice Omotosho immediately issued a bench warrant ordering security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found.
On May 13, 2026, the court sentenced him in absentia to a cumulative 75 years in prison after ordering that the prison terms run consecutively instead of concurrently.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of properties, foreign currencies and recovered funds linked to the case to the Federal Government.
Among the forfeited assets were luxury properties in Abuja and large sums in dollars, euros, pounds and other foreign currencies.
The judgment has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many describing it as one of the toughest corruption sentences ever handed to a former cabinet minister.
The case has also renewed public anger over corruption in Nigeria’s power sector, where billions of naira have been spent over the years despite continued electricity challenges across the country.
As of now, Mamman remains out of public sight while security agencies continue efforts to arrest him and enforce the court judgment.
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