Court jails ex-Power minister Saleh Mamman 75 years for fraud
On Wednesday 13th May 2026, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to 75 years in jail in absentia for a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court convicted Saleh Mamman on all 12 counts brought against him by the anti-graft agency, finding that the prosecution established its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the prison terms be served consecutively rather than simultaneously, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.
The judge condemned the former minister to seven years in prison on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, with no option for a fine.
He also sentenced him to three years in prison on count four, with the option of a fine of N10 million, and two years in prison on count five, with no opportunity for a fine.
The judge concluded that Mamman’s absence from court during the judgment and sentencing hearings was a deliberate attempt to obstruct the administration of justice.
Based on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015, the court agreed with EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) that the sentence could proceed despite the defendant’s absence.
Justice Omotosho then directed all security services, including Interpol, to apprehend Mamman wherever he was discovered and turn him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.
The court determined that the jail term would begin on the date of his arrest. The judge also ordered the definitive confiscation of recovered monies, foreign currencies, and assets associated with the offender, including those traceable to him in Abuja.
He also directed Mamman to refund the remaining balance from the N22 billion that the prosecution determined was taken from funds intended for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was initially charged in July 2024 with conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion in a suit titled FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
On May 7, Justice Omotosho convicted the former minister in absentia, ruling that the EFCC had proven his involvement beyond a reasonable doubt, and issued a warrant for his arrest.