Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment in absentia over a N33.8bn fraud and money laundering case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, followed Mamman’s conviction on all 12 counts brought against him by the anti-graft agency.
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative jail term of 75 years.
Fraud allegations
According to the EFCC, Mamman, while serving as Minister of Power in 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, conspired with ministry officials and private companies to divert over N33.8bn meant for public projects.
The commission alleged that part of the funds was laundered through Bureau De Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies before delivering it to the former minister and his associates.
The anti-corruption agency described the offences as violations of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
Court sentencing
The court sentenced Mamman to seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts without an option of fine.
He also received three years imprisonment on Count Four with an option of N10m fine and two years imprisonment on Count Five without an option of fine.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively and not concurrently.
The judge further held that Mamman’s absence during sentencing was a deliberate attempt to obstruct justice.
Arrest order and asset forfeiture
The court directed all security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The judge ordered that the prison term should begin from the date of his arrest.
In addition, the court ordered the final forfeiture of recovered assets, including funds, foreign currencies and properties traced to the former minister in Abuja.
Justice Omotosho also directed Mamman to refund outstanding funds from the N22bn allegedly diverted from the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
Background to the case
Mamman was first arraigned in July 2024 on charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8bn.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, stemmed from investigations into alleged financial irregularities linked to major power sector projects.
The court had earlier convicted him in absentia on May 7 after ruling that the EFCC established his culpability beyond reasonable doubt.
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