A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The charges bordered on conspiracy and money laundering involving funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla power projects.
According to the court, the prison terms attached to the 12 counts are to run consecutively, resulting in a total jail term of 75 years.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that the sentence should take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest, noting that the former minister was sentenced in absentia.
The court further ordered security agencies to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and ensure he is taken into custody.
In addition, the court directed that all recovered funds and properties linked to the case be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The judge also ordered the former minister to refund the outstanding balance of the ₦22 billion traced to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
