The sentencing of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, is indeed the biggest legal development in Nigeria today. It marks a significant moment in the government’s anti-corruption drive, specifically targeting the mismanagement of massive infrastructure funds.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Mamman to a total of 75 years in prison. A crucial detail from the ruling is that the judge ordered the sentences to run consecutively (one after another) rather than concurrently. He was handed 7 years each for 10 counts, plus 3 years and 2 years for the remaining two counts.
Mamman was not present in court. He had been missing since his initial conviction on
May 7, with his legal team claiming they lost contact with him. The court clarified that his 75-year sentence will only begin to count from the day he is arrested.
The case involved the laundering and diversion of N33.8 billion linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects.
The court ordered the immediate forfeiture of several “choice properties” in Abuja and various foreign currencies recovered during the investigation.
Mamman has been ordered to refund the outstanding balance of the diverted funds (approximately N22 billion) to the Federal Government.
​The court has issued a fresh bench warrant and directed all security agencies, including Interpol, to track and arrest the former minister. Justice Omotosho remarked during the sentencing that Mamman’s actions contributed directly to the “prolonged darkness” and power sector failures Nigerians have faced.
