By Ghazali Ibrahim
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday after finding the former minister guilty on all 12 counts bordering on conspiracy, fraud and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ordered that the prison terms run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years. Justice Omotosho also ruled that the sentence would begin from the date of Mamman’s arrest because he was convicted in absentia.
The judge further directed security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found and ordered the forfeiture of monies and properties recovered from him to the Federal Government.
The EFCC had accused Mamman of diverting public funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Prosecutors alleged that the funds were laundered through Bureau de Change operators and used for personal acquisitions, including properties in Abuja.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021, had earlier been convicted by the same court on May 7, but sentencing was deferred after he failed to appear in court.
Meanwhile, he purchase nomination form and expression of interests forms in a bid to run for Taraba’s governorship position amid his ongoing fraud case.
This adds to the growing lists of politicians accused of fraud and mismanagement seeking elective post in the country.
