Nigerian Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman In Absentia, Issues 75-Year Sentence
The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman in absentia to 75 years imprisonment on 12 fraud counts tied to the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects. Judge James Omotosho ordered consecutive sentences and directed security agencies to arrest the 68-year-old, whose term begins upon capture.
france24.comThe Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to 75 years imprisonment on May 13 2026. 8 billion fraud, ordering that the sentences for each of the 12 counts run consecutively. Saleh Mamman received seven years imprisonment without option of fine on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
He was sentenced to three years imprisonment on Count 4 with an option of a N10 million fine and two years imprisonment on Count 5 without option of fine. A concurrent sentence would have resulted in seven years imprisonment. The total prison term for Saleh Mamman is 75 years because the sentences run consecutively.
The judge ordered that the jail term shall take effect from the day Saleh Mamman is arrested. He directed all security agencies to arrest Saleh Mamman wherever he is found.
Judge James Omotosho found Saleh Mamman guilty on May 7 2026, when the former official was absent from court. The judge ordered the arrest of Saleh Mamman after the guilty verdict on May 7 2026.
The court ordered the forfeiture of all funds and properties recovered from Saleh Mamman to the federal government. It also ordered Saleh Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from N22 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru projects. 8 billion.
The projects involved are the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects. Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
AllAfrica reported that the case against the former minister stemmed from his oversight of Nigeria's power sector and the major federal hydroelectric projects during that period.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- 2019-2021
Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari
1 sourceAllAfrica - 2026-05-07
Judge James Omotosho found Saleh Mamman guilty on 12 charges; Mamman absent from court, prompting arrest order
1 sourceAllAfrica - 2026-05-13
Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Saleh Mamman in absentia to 75 years; authorities had not yet arrested him
1 sourceAllAfrica
Potential Impact
- 01
Delays any potential recovery of remaining diverted funds until Saleh Mamman is arrested
- 02
Strengthens EFCC position in ongoing power sector corruption prosecutions
- 03
Sets precedent for consecutive sentencing in high-value public fund diversion cases in Nigeria
Transparency Panel
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