Court delivers crushing judgment in one of Nigeria’s biggest corruption cases involving power sector funds
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the landmark judgment after finding the former minister guilty on multiple counts bordering on money laundering, conspiracy, and diversion of funds linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. The prosecution was handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court ruled that the various prison terms attached to the charges would run consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 75 years. Reports also revealed that the former minister was convicted in absentia, prompting the court to direct security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found.
Investigators alleged that Mamman diverted billions meant for critical power infrastructure projects through ministry officials, private firms, and Bureau de Change operators during his tenure as minister between 2019 and 2021. The scandal has been described as one of the largest corruption cases tied to Nigeria’s struggling electricity sector.
The judgment has already sparked massive reactions online, with many Nigerians describing it as a major test case in the country’s anti-corruption war. Others, however, questioned whether the conviction would mark a turning point or remain another isolated high-profile prosecution.
The conviction comes at a time when Nigeria continues to battle poor electricity supply, mounting public frustration, and renewed calls for accountability in the management of public resources.