A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a cumulative 75 years’ imprisonment for corruption linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgment, found Mamman guilty on a 12-count charge bordering on diversion and misappropriation of public funds. The court ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, resulting in a total jail term of 75 years.
Justice Omotosho further ordered that the sentence would take effect from the date of the convict’s arrest, directing all security agencies to apprehend Mamman wherever he may be found.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the former minister to the Federal Government. Mamman was also directed to refund the outstanding balance from the alleged ₦33.8 billion tied to the controversial power projects.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was prosecuted over alleged financial infractions involving funds earmarked for critical power infrastructure, particularly the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects.
The Mambilla Hydropower Project, located in Taraba State, is one of Nigeria’s largest planned power generation initiatives, designed to significantly boost electricity supply.
Similarly, the Zungeru Hydropower Project in Niger State was conceived to add substantial capacity to the national grid.
The prosecution alleged that funds released for these strategic projects were diverted through fraudulent means during Mamman’s tenure, undermining efforts to improve the country’s power sector.
The judgment marks one of the most significant convictions involving a former cabinet member in recent years, reinforcing the judiciary’s stance on accountability in the management of public resources.
