A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty on corruption charges linked to the controversial Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, convicted Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and illegal diversion of public funds amounting to about N22 billion. The judge ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively and ordered security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found.
The court also directed that the sentence would commence from the date of his arrest, indicating that Saleh Mamman was absent during Wednesday’s proceedings.
Justice Omotosho further ordered the forfeiture of all assets and funds recovered from the former minister to the Federal Government and directed him to refund the outstanding balance tied to the alleged fraud involving the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.
The conviction marks one of the most significant corruption judgments involving a former cabinet member under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)had accused Saleh Mamman of conspiring with officials and private entities to divert public funds meant for strategic electricity projects during his tenure as minister between 2019 and 2021. The anti-graft agency alleged that large sums were laundered through multiple bank accounts and proxies under the guise of contractual and consultancy arrangements.
Investigators said part of the funds was linked to the long-delayed Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project in Taraba State and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project in Niger State — two projects considered critical to Nigeria’s power expansion plans.
The 3,050-megawatt Mambilla project has remained stalled for decades despite repeated government promises and billions of naira in approvals, while the 700-megawatt Zungeru plant was commissioned as part of efforts to boost national electricity generation. Analysts have repeatedly raised concerns over corruption, funding gaps and policy inconsistencies affecting the country’s power sector.
During the trial, the EFCC presented financial records, witnesses and transaction documents which prosecutors argued established that public funds were unlawfully moved and converted for personal use.
Although Saleh Mamman had denied wrongdoing throughout the proceedings, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Legal analysts say the judgment could strengthen public confidence in anti-corruption prosecutions, particularly involving politically exposed persons, at a time when Nigerians continue to express frustration over poor electricity supply and abandoned infrastructure projects.
The ruling also comes amid renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s power sector, where successive administrations have spent trillions of naira on generation, transmission and distribution reforms with limited improvement in electricity stability.
Political observers believe the judgment may trigger wider investigations into contracts and financial transactions linked to major power projects executed during previous administrations.
The EFCC has yet to issue a detailed official statement following the conviction, though officials familiar with the case described the judgment as a major milestone in the agency’s anti-corruption campaign.
There are also indications that the former minister may challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal once arrested and formally served with the court orders.
The latest conviction adds to the growing list of former public officials prosecuted over alleged abuse of office and diversion of public funds, reinforcing pressure on government institutions to improve transparency and accountability in the management of strategic national projects.
