By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The Federal High Court in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja on Wednesday convicted and sentenced a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years’ imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion ($24.6m) fraud linked to major hydroelectric power projects in the West African nation struggling with acute power shortage.
The case was brought before the court by anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with Zungeru and Mambilla power project.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, found the former Minister guilty on all 12 counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering and handed down the sentence.
The court ordered that the various prison terms imposed on each count should run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The court also directed that the sentence should begin to run from the date the Mamman was arrested, as he was sentenced in absentia.
It further ordered all security agencies to arrest Mamman wherever he is found. Justice Omotosho also ruled that all monies and properties recovered from the former minister be forfeited to the Federal Government.
In addition, the court ordered Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project.
The conviction followed a lengthy trial instituted by the EFCC, which accused the former minister of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert approximately ₦33.8 billion earmarked for the two major power projects.
Mamman was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 11, 2024, and he pleaded not guilty to all the 12-count charges.
After the prosecution closed its case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the evidence presented by the EFCC was insufficient to require him to enter a defence.
However, in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case.
The judge stressed that the ruling did not amount to a declaration of guilt, but merely meant there was enough evidence requiring Mamman to respond to the allegations.
The ruling brings relief to millions of households and businesses across Nigeria who have faced prolonged epileptic power supply despite huge investment in the sector.
Despite several reforms by past government, the sector has largely been plagued by lack of transparency and poor performance.
Despite assurance by President Bola Tinubu to prioritise power, no visible differences have been recorded since 2023 when he came on board as several states go for days without electricity.
Last month, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu resigned to pursue his governorship ambitions in the South West State of Oyo, following criticisms over poor performance record.
