Court Sentences Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 Years Over N33.8bn Fraud
A Federal High Court has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The conviction followed allegations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that the former minister diverted public funds through ministry officials, private firms, and Bureau de Change operators.
According to the anti-graft agency, the funds were meant for critical power infrastructure projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric schemes.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday, Justice Omotosho sentenced Mamman on multiple counts, ordering that the prison terms run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The court noted that the former minister, who was absent at the last court sitting and reportedly on the run, would begin serving the sentence from the day he is arrested.
Justice Omotosho further directed all security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest the convict wherever he is found.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from Mamman to the Federal Government. In addition, the former minister was directed to repay the outstanding N22 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who recently purchased the governorship nomination forms of the All Progressives Congress in Taraba State, is also facing a separate criminal trial at the FCT High Court in Maitama over the alleged diversion of another N31 billion meant for the Mambilla Power Project.
