By Desire Emmanuel
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 13, sentenced former Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh, to a total of 75 years’ imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The judge handed down the sentence after finding Saleh guilty on all 12 counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Omotosho ordered that the various prison terms imposed on each count should run concurrently, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The judge also directed that the sentence should begun to run from the date the convict is arrested, as Mamman was sentenced in absentia.
The court further ordered all security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found while Justice Omotosho also ruled that all money and properties recovered from the former minister be forfeited to the Federal Government.
In addition, the court ordered Saleh 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.
Saleh was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 11, 2024, on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits.
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.
Wednesday’s judgment brings to a close a high-profile corruption case that began with Saleh’s arrest and detention by the EFCC on May 10, 2021.
