Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years Over N33.8bn Fraud Linked to Mambilla Project
The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a major verdict in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign after sentencing former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a multi-billion naira fraud case linked to key national power projects.
In a landmark judgment delivered on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the court convicted the former minister on multiple counts bordering on money laundering and the diversion of public funds meant for strategic electricity infrastructure projects across the country.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt, detailing how the former minister participated in the “indirect conversion” of about N33.8 billion earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The projects are widely regarded as critical components of Nigeria’s long-term electricity expansion and power grid stabilization efforts.
During the proceedings, the court emphasized the gravity of the abuse of office and breach of public trust involved in the case. Justice Omotosho observed that while millions of Nigerians continued to suffer from persistent blackouts and an “epileptic power supply,” the former minister was allegedly “living large at the expense of ordinary citizens.”
Evidence obtained by the court further showed that Mamman allegedly used Bureau De Change operators to move funds and also paid $655,700 in cash for a luxury property in Abuja outside the formal banking system.
PulseNets learnt that the sentencing followed developments from last week after the former minister failed to appear for the scheduled judgment proceedings. His lawyers had informed the court that he was medically unfit to attend, but the explanation was rejected after reports linked him to recent political engagements in Taraba State.
The court subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest before his eventual appearance for Wednesday’s final judgment and sentencing.
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Muhammadu Buhari appointed Saleh Mamman as Minister of Power in 2019 before he was removed from office during the 2021 cabinet reshuffle.
PulseNets reported that the 75-year prison sentence will run concurrently across the various counts, making the ruling one of the most significant convictions involving a former Nigerian cabinet member in recent years.
