A Nigerian Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of laundering billions of naira linked to electricity infrastructure projects.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mamman was convicted for laundering approximately ₦33.8 billion, equivalent to about $24.6 million, funds allegedly tied to hydroelectric and power sector projects during his time in office.
The ruling was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mamman was sentenced in absentia, meaning he was not physically present in court at the time of judgment.
Mamman served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose administration publicly promoted an anti-corruption agenda.
His conviction makes him one of the most senior former officials from that government to be jailed over corruption allegations.
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the EFCC, announced the judgment on social media, describing it as a major victory in the fight against corruption in the country’s public sector.
The case has once again drawn attention to Nigeria’s struggling power sector, which continues to face severe infrastructure deficits. Despite being Africa’s largest economy and top oil producer, the country still experiences frequent blackouts, with estimates suggesting that over 40 percent of Nigerians lack access to reliable electricity.
Several other former officials from the Buhari administration are currently facing ongoing corruption trials, underscoring continued scrutiny of public spending and governance in the sector.
The sentencing is expected to intensify national debate on accountability, public sector reforms, and the management of Nigeria’s critical energy infrastructure.
