In a landmark judgment that is already being described as a defining moment in Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years in prison. The ruling comes after a lengthy legal battle over the alleged diversion of public funds amounting to N33.8 billion, funds that were originally earmarked for critical national power projects.
The decision, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, is being widely viewed as a strong statement from the judiciary on the consequences of financial misconduct in public office. It also represents a major win for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which led the investigation and prosecution of the case over several years.
Saleh Mamman served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021, a period during which the country was grappling with persistent electricity challenges and mounting pressure to improve infrastructure. His ministry was responsible for overseeing key projects aimed at boosting power generation capacity, including the high-profile Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. These projects were not only expensive but also central to Nigeria’s long-term energy strategy, making any mismanagement of funds particularly consequential.
According to the court’s findings, Mamman was involved in the diversion and laundering of approximately N33.8 billion connected to these projects. The prosecution presented evidence showing that the funds were siphoned through a network of transactions and allegedly redirected for personal use and other unauthorized purposes. The scale of the fraud, combined with the strategic importance of the affected projects, played a significant role in the severity of the judgment.
Justice Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts brought against him, which included conspiracy and multiple counts of money laundering. In delivering the sentence, the judge imposed seven-year prison terms on 10 of the counts. Count 4 attracted a three-year sentence, while Count 5 carried a two-year sentence. What made the ruling particularly striking was the court’s directive that all sentences must be served consecutively, meaning one after the other. This decision brought the total sentence to 75 years, a rare outcome in high-profile corruption cases involving senior government officials.
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Legal analysts have noted that courts often allow sentences in such cases to run concurrently, which significantly reduces the actual time spent in prison. However, in this instance, the court took a stricter approach, signaling a shift toward harsher penalties in cases involving large-scale financial crimes and abuse of public trust.
Adding a dramatic twist to the proceedings was the absence of the former minister at the time of sentencing. Mamman, who is 68 years old, has reportedly been missing from public view since May 7, 2026, when he was initially convicted. His failure to appear in court raised serious concerns and ultimately influenced the court’s stance on the matter.
Earlier, on May 11, a separate court had revoked his bail after repeated absences from trial sessions. This led to the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. By the time the final sentencing was delivered, Mamman remained unaccounted for, prompting the court to take further action.
Justice Omotosho ordered all relevant security agencies to immediately begin efforts to locate and apprehend the former minister. The directive extends beyond Nigeria, with INTERPOL now involved in tracking him across international borders if necessary. Authorities have made it clear that Mamman is expected to begin serving his sentence as soon as he is found.
The judge did not mince words when addressing Mamman’s absence, describing it as a deliberate attempt to frustrate the judicial process. He emphasized that the court would not allow such actions to undermine the rule of law. According to him, the defendant had been given ample opportunity to defend himself but chose not to fully engage with the process.
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Beyond the prison sentence, the court also moved to recover assets linked to the fraud. Several high-value properties located in prime areas of Abuja were identified during the investigation and have now been permanently forfeited to the federal government. These properties were believed to have been acquired using proceeds from the diverted funds.
In addition to real estate, various sums of money recovered in foreign currencies were also ordered forfeited. This aspect of the judgment highlights the court’s intention not only to punish wrongdoing but also to ensure that illicit gains are returned to the public domain.
There was, however, a limited concession in the ruling. For Count 4, the court provided an option for Mamman to pay a fine of N10 million instead of serving the three-year sentence attached to that count. Aside from this exception, the rest of the sentences remain firmly in place.
The case has generated widespread reactions across Nigeria’s political and social landscape. For many observers, it represents a rare instance where a high-ranking public official has faced substantial consequences for alleged corruption. It also raises questions about accountability, governance, and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms within government institutions.
Anti-corruption advocates have welcomed the judgment, describing it as a step in the right direction. They argue that such rulings can help restore public confidence in the justice system and deter others from engaging in similar misconduct. At the same time, some analysts caution that consistent enforcement and institutional reforms are necessary to sustain the momentum.
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The implications of the case extend beyond the individual involved. The Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects, which were at the center of the allegations, remain critical to Nigeria’s efforts to address its long-standing power supply issues. Any disruption or delay in these projects has direct consequences for economic growth, industrial development, and the daily lives of millions of Nigerians.
By highlighting the alleged diversion of funds meant for these initiatives, the case underscores the broader impact of corruption on national development. It serves as a reminder that financial misconduct in public office is not just a legal issue but also a developmental challenge with far-reaching consequences.
As the search for Saleh Mamman continues, attention is now focused on how quickly authorities can bring him into custody and enforce the court’s judgment. The involvement of international agencies suggests that efforts to locate him will be extensive and coordinated.
For now, the ruling stands as one of the most significant anti-corruption decisions in recent years. It sends a clear message that public office comes with responsibility and that violations of that trust can lead to severe legal consequences. Whether this case marks the beginning of a broader shift in accountability remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly set a notable precedent in Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
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