Court Jails Ex-Power Minister Mamman 75 Years for Fraud
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison in absentia over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, leading to a total jail term of 75 years.
He was handed seven years’ imprisonment on 10 counts without an option of fine, three years on one count with a N10 million option of fine, and two years on another count without an option of fine.
The judge said Mamman’s absence during sentencing was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice, allowing the court to proceed under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act. He also ordered his arrest by security agencies, including Interpol, and directed that he begin serving his sentence upon arrest.
The court further ordered the forfeiture of funds and properties linked to him and directed him to refund diverted money from power projects, including Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower schemes.
