A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, convicted and jailed a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman to a total of 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33. 8 billion fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The court presided over by Justice James Omotosho, in its judgement, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Omotosho further ruled that the prison terms attached to each count would run consecutively, thus resulted in a cumulative sentence of 75 years.
The court ordered Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project.
The conviction of Mamman followed a prolonged trial initiated by the EFCC, which accused the former minister of working with some ministry officials and private firms to divert about ₦33.8 billion allocated to the two major power projects.
The court also directed that the sentence would take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest, as he was convicted in absentia.
Justice Omotosho accordingly, directed all security agencies to arrest Saleh Mamman wherever he is located and also ordered that all funds and properties recovered from him should be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The former minister of Power was first arraigned on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja on July 11, 2024. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
However, during the proceedings, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits to support its case.
After the prosecution closed its case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, contending that the evidence presented against him was insufficient for him to open a defence.
But, in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, Justice Omotosho dismissed the plea, stating that the prosecution successfully established a prima facie case.
Justice Omotosho however, clarified that the ruling was not a declaration of guilt but an indication that enough evidence existed for the defendant to respond to the allegations.
The case was then adjourned to February 23, 2026, for the commencement of the defence.
The judgement delivered on Wednesday, concluded the high-profile corruption case that was brought against Mamman, who was arrested and detained by the EFCC on May 10, 2021.
