The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a cumulative 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of a multi-billion naira fraud and money laundering case involving N33.8 billion.
The judgment followed the conclusion of a high-profile trial instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had arraigned the former minister on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and diversion of public funds.
Delivering judgment at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the presiding judge held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to Mamman’s conviction on all 12 counts filed against him.
According to the EFCC, the former minister illegally diverted funds earmarked for critical power sector projects during his tenure in office. Investigations reportedly uncovered complex financial transactions and alleged laundering of billions of naira through multiple channels linked to government contracts and infrastructure interventions in the nation’s electricity sector.
The anti-graft agency described the conviction as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption and financial crimes, particularly within strategic sectors of the economy.
The ruling has already generated widespread reactions across political and legal circles, with many observers describing it as one of the most significant convictions involving a former cabinet member in recent years.
Analysts say the judgment could further strengthen public confidence in the anti-corruption campaign and serve as a strong warning against abuse of public office and diversion of funds meant for national development.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has maintained that it remains committed to ensuring accountability, transparency, and diligent prosecution of corruption-related offences irrespective of status or political affiliation.
