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The former Nigerian Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was sentenced today, May 13, 2026, to 75 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja after being found guilty of fraud and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.
Key Facts About the Case with Mamman
- Court: Federal High Court, Abuja
- Judge: Justice James Omotosho
- Sentence: 75 years imprisonment (on 12 counts, ordered to run consecutively)
- Amount Involved: ₦33.8 billion diverted from national energy projects (Mambilla & Zungeru hydroelectric projects)
- Conviction: Money laundering, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds
- No Fine Option: Except for one count carrying a ₦10 million fine alternative
Background
Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power (2019–2021) under President Muhammadu Buhari.
EFCC accused him of using Bureau De Change operators to siphon funds and making large cash payments for luxury properties in Abuja.
Evidence showed misuse of funds meant to stabilize Nigeria’s power grid, while citizens continued to suffer from blackouts.
He previously failed to appear in court, claiming illness, but was later arrested after a warrant was issued.
Mamman Sentencing: Why This Matters
- Historic Conviction: One of the most significant corruption sentences against a former cabinet member in Nigeria.
- Public Trust: Highlights betrayal of public trust, as funds meant for critical infrastructure were diverted.
- Judicial Precedent: Reinforces Nigeria’s anti-corruption stance, showing courts can deliver heavy sentences against high-level officials.
Essence of the Mamman Case
Mamman faced prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
The charges involve an alleged sum of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-three billion, eight hundred and four million, eight hundred and thirty thousand, five hundred and three naira, seventy-three kobo), which the anti-graft agency claims was illegally diverted during his tenure as minister.
At the latest court session, Mamman’s lead counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, urged the court to rely on the arguments presented in their filings and to carefully evaluate the evidence brought before it.
He maintained that the prosecution had failed to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt.
He insisted that the allegations against his client were not sufficiently proven.
Consequently, he called on the court to discharge and acquit Mamman of all charges.
Prosecution Disagrees
In response, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, reiterated its confidence in the strength of its case.
Oyedepo emphasized that the evidence presented throughout the trial clearly established Mamman’s involvement in the alleged financial misconduct.
Arguing before the court, Oyedepo highlighted key testimonies and documentary evidence.
According to him, they directly linked the defendant to the movement and handling of the disputed funds.
He stressed that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated that funds were transferred from a government account into the account of a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator.
Providing further details, Oyedepo told the court that the BDC operator testified under oath.
He confirmed receipt of the funds and explaining how cash deliveries were allegedly made to Mamman’s residence.
He also referenced testimony from an associate of the defendant, described as a staff member who worked closely with Mamman.
Staff Member’s Testimony
The defendant reportedly admitted to receiving portions of the funds on the defendant’s instructions.
Oyedepo questioned what additional level of proof could be required.
He asserted that the prosecution had presented a coherent and compelling case supported by both witness testimony and financial records.
He urged the court to dismiss the defence’s submissions, which he described as lacking merit, and to convict Mamman on all 12 counts.
“The evidence before this court is clear and unambiguous,” Oyedepo argued.
He maintained that the prosecution had met the legal threshold required for conviction in a criminal trial of this nature.
Court Puts Mamman Away, Throws the Key Away
Following the submissions from both parties, Justice Omotosho today, May 13, 2026, sentenced Mamman to 75 years imprisonment.
The ruling brought to closure a high-profile case that has drawn significant public attention, particularly given Mamman’s former role in managing Nigeria’s power sector.
Legal analysts note that the judgment hinged on the court’s interpretation of the evidence presented, especially regarding the credibility of witnesses and the linkage between the defendant and the alleged financial transactions.
The case underscored the continued efforts by anti-corruption agencies to prosecute public officials accused of financial impropriety.
