The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre to begin serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction over a multi-billion naira fraud case.
Mamman was convicted by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on 12 counts bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
According to the court, the offences involved about N33.8 billion allegedly diverted from funds meant for critical power infrastructure projects intended to improve electricity supply across the country.
Following the conviction, the EFCC presented the former minister before the court and filed a consequential order seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly traced to him.
Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the application, dated May 25, 2026, was aimed at recovering assets suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of the alleged fraud.
During proceedings, the court also heard testimony from Shamsudeen Mohammed, identified as Mamman’s relative, who disclosed that the former minister travelled from Abuja to Kaduna shortly after his conviction. He told the court that Mamman was receiving traditional medical treatment and had been transported by taxi to Rigasa area of Kaduna State.
Justice Omotosho noted that Mamman was present in Abuja when judgement and sentencing were delivered and informed him that his prison term officially commenced immediately after the proceedings.
The judge also stated that the court had fulfilled its constitutional duty by ensuring that justice was served in accordance with the law.
The conviction is regarded as one of the most significant anti-corruption cases involving a former cabinet member in recent years and reflects intensified efforts by anti-graft agencies to prosecute financial crimes linked to public office.
