Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over corruption linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

The judgment drew commendation from the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), which praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the judiciary for what it described as a landmark ruling that can strengthen accountability and public confidence in the justice system.

The court convicted Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds amounting to about N22 billion.

Delivering judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution successfully established its case against the former minister beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge sentenced Mamman to various prison terms across the counts and ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.

Justice Omotosho further ordered that the sentence would take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest.

The court also directed security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he may be found.

The judge equally ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the convict to the Federal Government and directed him to refund the outstanding balance of the diverted funds traced to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

The EFCC had prosecuted the former minister over alleged fraudulent transactions and diversion of funds earmarked for critical power infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Power.

The Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects are among Nigeria’s major electricity expansion initiatives designed to boost power generation and improve energy supply nationwide.

In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the ruling as a major milestone in the fight against corruption, particularly in the power sector.

The group commended the EFCC for what it called sustained professionalism and determination throughout the investigation and prosecution of the case, 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 said.

HURIWA also applauded Justice Omotosho for what it described as judicial courage and independence in delivering judgment in a politically sensitive and high-profile case.

According to the organisation, the severity of the sentence and forfeiture of recovered assets reflect renewed commitment by the judiciary to ensure corruption cases are not only prosecuted but appropriately punished.

The group urged anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary to sustain the momentum, warning that inconsistency in enforcement could weaken gains already achieved in the fight against corruption.

It added that only sustained accountability and deterrent punishment can discourage corruption in public service and improve governance outcomes across critical sectors.