The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment over fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC. The charges were linked to the diversion of funds meant for major power projects under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The court sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while counts four and five attracted prison terms of three years and two years respectively. Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively and without the option of fine, except for count four where a ₦10 million fine was allowed.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of several foreign currencies and four high value properties in Abuja traced to the convict.
According to the judgment, Mamman illegally handled large sums of money outside approved financial institutions, including a cash payment of $655,700 equivalent to about ₦200 million for a property in Abuja.
The court further found him guilty of criminal breach of trust involving funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects. Evidence presented by the EFCC showed that much of the money was moved through Bureau de Ce operators who converted the funds into foreign currencies before handing them over to the former minister.
Justice Omotosho stated that the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence while the defence failed to provide credible explanations to challenge the allegations.
The judge criticised Mamman for failing to use his office to improve Nigeria’s electricity sector, noting that citizens continue to suffer from poor power supply despite huge government spending.
Mamman was absent during both his conviction and sentencing. His lawyer told the court that his whereabouts were unknown. The court has now directed security agencies and Interpol to ensure his arrest, stating that the prison sentence will begin from the date he is apprehended.
Tags: Saleh Mamman, EFCC, Federal High Court, Abuja, Money Laundering, Fraud, Power Ministry, Muhammadu Buhari, Corruption Case, Nigeria Politics,Court Sentences Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 Years for ₦33.8 Billion Fraud
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment over fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC. The charges were linked to the diversion of funds meant for major power projects under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The court sentenced the former minister to seven years imprisonment on 10 counts, while counts four and five attracted prison terms of three years and two years respectively. Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively and without the option of fine, except for count four where a ₦10 million fine was allowed.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of several foreign currencies and four high value properties in Abuja traced to the convict.
According to the judgment, Mamman illegally handled large sums of money outside approved financial institutions, including a cash payment of $655,700 equivalent to about ₦200 million for a property in Abuja.
The court further found him guilty of criminal breach of trust involving funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects. Evidence presented by the EFCC showed that much of the money was moved through Bureau de Ce operators who converted the funds into foreign currencies before handing them over to the former minister.
Justice Omotosho stated that the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence while the defence failed to provide credible explanations to challenge the allegations.
The judge criticised Mamman for failing to use his office to improve Nigeria’s electricity sector, noting that citizens continue to suffer from poor power supply despite huge government spending.
Mamman was absent during both his conviction and sentencing. His lawyer told the court that his whereabouts were unknown. The court has now directed security agencies and Interpol to ensure his arrest, stating that the prison sentence will begin from the date he is apprehended.
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