Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison for corruption related to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. The judgment was delivered on Wednesday and has been widely praised by anti-corruption groups.
Conviction on Corruption Charges
The court convicted Mamman on a 12-count charge involving money laundering and the diversion of public funds totaling approximately N22 billion. Justice Omotosho ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The sentences for each count will run consecutively, resulting in a total of 75 years imprisonment.
Details of the Sentence
Justice Omotosho ordered that the sentence take effect from the date of Mamman's arrest. Additionally, he directed security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all recovered monies and properties to the Federal Government and instructed Mamman to refund the remaining balance of the diverted funds traced to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects.
EFCC's Role in the Prosecution
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Mamman for fraudulent transactions and the diversion of funds meant for critical power infrastructure under the Ministry of Power. The Mambilla and Zungeru projects are key components of Nigeria's electricity expansion plans aimed at boosting power generation and improving national energy supply.
Commendation from HURIWA
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) commended the EFCC and the judiciary for what it described as a landmark ruling. In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA praised the EFCC for its professionalism and determination, noting that the agency presented 17 witnesses and 43 documentary exhibits during the trial.
“The conviction sends a strong message that public office must never be treated as an avenue for personal enrichment, but rather as a trust that must be discharged with integrity and accountability,” the statement read. HURIWA also applauded Justice Omotosho for his judicial courage and independence in handling this politically sensitive case.
Call for Sustained Anti-Corruption Efforts
The organization urged anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary to maintain the momentum, warning that inconsistency in enforcement could weaken the gains made in the fight against corruption. It emphasized that sustained accountability and deterrent punishment are essential to discourage corruption in public service and improve governance across critical sectors.
