In a landmark ruling on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sentenced the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years’ imprisonment.
The conviction follows a high-profile legal battle centered on massive corruption linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The court found Mamman guilty of abusing his office and misappropriating public funds intended for the nation’s critical energy infrastructure.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts preferred against him by the prosecution.
The judge held that the prison terms for each count would run consecutively rather than concurrently, effectively totaling 75 years behind bars.
This stringent sentencing serves as a significant signal in the judiciary’s ongoing efforts to tackle high-level graft within the public sector.
The court further directed that the convict’s jail term shall officially commence from the day of his arrest. In a swift move to ensure the execution of the sentence, Justice Omotosho issued an order to all national security agencies to locate and apprehend Mamman wherever he may be found.
The former minister’s whereabouts were not immediately confirmed following the pronouncement.
Beyond the custodial sentence, the Federal High Court ordered the total forfeiture of all monies and properties previously recovered from Mamman to the Federal Government.
The court emphasized that these assets were the proceeds of illegal activities tied to the multi-billion naira power projects. This move aims to repatriate stolen public wealth and provide some restitution for the stalled energy initiatives.
Finally, the judge directed the former minister to refund the outstanding balance of the ₦33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru projects.
This financial mandate underscores the court’s stance on full accountability for the alleged missing funds. The ruling marks one of the most severe sentences handed down to a former cabinet member in Nigeria’s recent history.
