Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the prison terms run consecutively, resulting in a total sentence of 75 years.
Mamman received seven years imprisonment each on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 without the option of fine. He was also sentenced to three years imprisonment on count four with an option of a N10 million fine, while count five attracted a two-year jail term without an option of fine.
The judge noted that the former minister’s absence during the judgment and sentencing proceedings was a deliberate attempt to frustrate justice. Relying on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the court held that sentencing could proceed despite his absence.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence. The court stated that the jail term would commence from the date of his arrest.
The court also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies and properties linked to the former minister, including assets traced to him in Abuja.
In addition, Mamman was directed to refund the outstanding balance from the N22 billion the prosecution said was diverted from funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was first arraigned in July 2024 over allegations bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.
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