Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison Over N33.8bn Fraud

A major corruption case involving Nigeria’s power sector reached a dramatic conclusion on Wednesday after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison over the diversion of public funds linked to key hydroelectric projects.

The conviction followed a high-profile prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused the former minister of laundering billions of naira earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The court found Mamman guilty of offences connected to the misappropriation and laundering of about N33.8 billion in public funds during his time in office as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

The judgment represents a sharp escalation in the long-running trial, which earlier gained attention when the court dismissed Mamman’s no-case submission and directed him to enter his defence.

Prosecutors told the court that the funds were illegally moved through multiple transactions and accounts in what investigators described as a coordinated scheme involving public resources meant for strategic electricity infrastructure projects.

The Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects are among Nigeria’s biggest power sector investments and were designed to boost electricity generation capacity and reduce the country’s persistent energy shortages.

The conviction is expected to trigger renewed debate about corruption, accountability and project implementation within Nigeria’s power sector, which has consumed billions of dollars over the years despite continued electricity challenges across the country.

Further details of the judgment, including whether the prison terms will run concurrently or separately, are expected to emerge as court documents become publicly available.