By Ranti Thomas
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty in a massive corruption case involving billions of naira meant for Nigeria’s power sector.
The judgment followed months of legal battle between the former minister and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over the alleged diversion of funds linked to major electricity projects.
Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on multiple counts bordering on money laundering and illegal diversion of public funds during his time in office under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The anti-graft agency accused the former minister of illegally handling about N33.8 billion connected to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The court ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
In a dramatic twist, the judgment was delivered in Mamman’s absence after he reportedly failed to appear in court for the ruling.
The judge described his absence as an attempt to avoid justice and ordered security agencies to immediately arrest him wherever he is found.
The court also directed that the prison terms attached to the different charges should run separately, pushing the total sentence to 75 years behind bars.
Apart from the jail term, the court approved the forfeiture of several assets, properties, and funds linked to the former minister.
Authorities were further instructed to recover outstanding money connected to the alleged fraud scheme.
The conviction is already being viewed as one of the strongest corruption judgments involving a former cabinet member in recent Nigerian history.
The case has also revived public frustration over Nigeria’s electricity problems, especially as billions meant for power projects allegedly disappeared while millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with unstable electricity supply.
Many observers believe the ruling could send a strong message to public officials over the misuse of government funds if fully enforced.
As reactions continue nationwide, attention has now shifted to whether security agencies will successfully arrest the former minister and enforce the court’s decision.