A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of fraud and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.

The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully proved all 12 counts filed against the former minister beyond reasonable doubt.

The case centred on allegations that Mamman was involved in the diversion and laundering of public funds earmarked for critical power infrastructure projects across the country.

The court heard that the funds were linked to major electricity projects, including hydroelectric developments such as the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.

According to the prosecution, the funds were systematically moved through different accounts and channels in a manner that concealed their origin and intended use.

The EFCC maintained that the former minister played a central role in authorising and facilitating the financial transactions that led to the alleged diversion of public resources.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Omotosho stated that the prosecution had presented credible and consistent evidence that established guilt on all counts.

The court subsequently imposed various prison terms on each count, which were ordered to run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years imprisonment.

The judge also ordered that the sentence should take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest, meaning he is to begin serving the jail term immediately. He further directed law enforcement authorities to ensure the former minister is taken into custody wherever he is found.

In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of assets traced to proceeds of the crime, in line with efforts to recover public funds allegedly siphoned from government projects.

The ruling is regarded as one of the most significant convictions involving a former federal minister in recent years and highlights the judiciary’s continued stance on high-profile corruption cases involving public officials.