Ex-Power Minister Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty in a corruption case involving billions of naira meant for electricity projects in Nigeria.

The case was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused the former minister of diverting public funds linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. The anti-graft agency also charged him with conspiracy and money laundering involving about N33.8bn.

The judgment followed months of legal proceedings between the prosecution and the defence. Earlier in the case, the court had rejected Mamman’s no-case submission and directed him to enter his defence after ruling that the prosecution had presented enough evidence against him.

During the trial, the EFCC presented documents and witnesses in support of its claims that funds meant for major power projects were unlawfully handled during Mamman’s time in office as minister.

The court eventually ruled in favour of the prosecution and handed the former minister a combined jail term of 75 years over the offences connected to the alleged diversion of funds.

The conviction adds to the growing list of corruption-related cases involving former public office holders facing prosecution over the management of government funds.

The Zungeru and Mambilla power projects are among Nigeria’s major electricity projects aimed at improving power supply across the country. The projects have received attention over the years because of funding challenges, delays and corruption allegations tied to officials connected to them.

More details on the judgment and breakdown of the prison terms are expected to emerge as proceedings continue to attract public attention.