A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison over the diversion of about ₦33.8 billion in public funds to private use
The ruling was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of fraud and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ruled that he would serve seven years on each of 10 counts, while he also received three years on one count and two years on another.
The sentences are to run one after the other, and there is no option of fine except on one count where he was allowed to pay ₦10 million.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from him and four properties in Abuja linked to the illegal funds.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was found guilty of diverting money meant for major power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric schemes.
The court said part of the funds was also used for personal property purchases, including a dollar transaction for land in Abuja without using a bank.
The judge noted that the evidence presented by the prosecution was strong and consistent, while the defence did not offer a convincing response to counter the allegations.
He also said the conduct of the former minister showed neglect of public duty, adding that instead of improving electricity supply, public resources were misused.
Mamman was not in court when the judgment and sentence were delivered.
He had earlier been convicted in his absence, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Following the sentencing, the court directed security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure he is tracked and arrested.
The sentence will begin once he is taken into custody.
Saleh Mamman, born January 2, 1958, served as Minister of Power from August 2019 until September 2021 under President Muhammadu Buhari.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
