Former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years for N33.8 Billion Hydropower Fraud
The Federal High Court in Abuja has delivered a landmark judgment against corruption in Nigeria’s power sector, sentencing former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years’ imprisonment for the systematic diversion of funds allocated to the nation’s critical hydropower infrastructure projects. The ruling, handed down by Justice James Omotosho on Wednesday, represents one of the harshest penalties ever imposed on a former high-ranking government official in Nigeria’s anti-corruption history.
The Verdict: A Consecutive Sentence That Sends a Strong Message
Justice Omotosho convicted and sentenced Mr. Mamman on 12 counts of fraud involving N33.8 billion (approximately $73 million USD at current exchange rates). The judge structured the sentences to run consecutively—meaning each term must be served one after the other—rather than concurrently, which would have allowed the sentences to overlap. This decision is significant because concurrent sentences would have resulted in a maximum of just seven years’ imprisonment, the highest term imposed for any single count.
The breakdown of the sentences is as follows:
- Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12: Seven years’ imprisonment each, with no option of a fine.
- Count 4: Three years’ imprisonment, with an option of a N10 million fine (approximately $21,500 USD).
- Count 5: Two years’ imprisonment, with no option of a fine.
Because the sentences run consecutively, the total prison term amounts to 75 years. Given that Mr. Mamman is 68 years old, this effectively constitutes a life sentence. The judge ordered that the jail term shall take effect from the day the convict is arrested, and directed all security agencies to apprehend him wherever he is found.
Sentencing in Absentia: A Rare Judicial Step
In a rare show of judicial toughness, Mr. Mamman was sentenced in absentia. He was absent from court when the guilty verdict was delivered on May 7, prompting Justice Omotosho to order his arrest and set Wednesday for sentencing. However, as of Wednesday, the authorities had yet to execute the arrest warrant, leaving the judge with no option but to proceed with sentencing without the defendant present.
This development raises important questions about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies in apprehending high-profile fugitives. The court has now ordered all security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—to arrest Mr. Mamman immediately.
The Fraud: How N33.8 Billion Was Diverted from Hydropower Projects
The case against Mr. Mamman stems from his tenure as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, from 2019 to 2021. During this period, he oversaw Nigeria’s power sector and major federal hydroelectric projects, including the Mambilla Hydropower Project and the Zungeru Hydropower Project—two of the most ambitious infrastructure initiatives in the country’s history.
The Mambilla Hydropower Project
Located in Taraba State, the Mambilla project is designed to generate 3,050 megawatts of electricity, which would nearly double Nigeria’s current grid capacity. With an estimated cost of over $5.7 billion, it is the largest hydropower project in sub-Saharan Africa. The project has been plagued by delays, contract disputes, and allegations of corruption since its inception in the 1970s.
The Zungeru Hydropower Project
Located in Niger State, the Zungeru project is a 700-megawatt hydroelectric plant built with a $1.3 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. It was commissioned in 2023 but has faced operational challenges, including disputes over tariff rates and allegations of inflated costs.
The EFCC alleged that Mr. Mamman conspired with ministry officials and private companies to divert funds allocated to these projects. The diverted funds were laundered through a network of shell companies, real estate purchases, and foreign bank accounts. The court ordered the forfeiture of all funds and properties recovered from the former minister to the federal government, and further ordered him to refund the outstanding balance from the alleged N22 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru projects.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Fight
This conviction is a significant milestone for the EFCC, which has faced criticism in recent years for a perceived lack of progress in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases. The consecutive sentencing structure sends a clear message that the judiciary is willing to impose severe penalties on corrupt officials, even those who held powerful positions.
However, the fact that Mr. Mamman remains at large highlights the challenges of enforcing such sentences. The EFCC and other security agencies must now demonstrate their capability to apprehend him swiftly. Failure to do so would undermine the deterrent effect of this judgment.
Practical Lessons for Citizens and Investors
For ordinary Nigerians, this case underscores the importance of holding public officials accountable for the misuse of public funds. The N33.8 billion diverted from hydropower projects could have provided electricity to millions of households, improved healthcare facilities, or funded educational programs. Instead, it enriched a few individuals at the expense of the nation’s development.
For international investors and development partners, this conviction signals that Nigeria’s judicial system is capable of prosecuting corruption, albeit slowly. However, the ongoing delays in the Mambilla and Zungeru projects serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of investing in large-scale infrastructure in environments where governance and oversight are weak.
What Happens Next?
The court has ordered all security agencies to arrest Mr. Mamman wherever he is found. Once apprehended, he will begin serving his 75-year sentence. The EFCC is also expected to pursue the recovery of additional assets linked to the fraud, including properties and funds held in foreign jurisdictions.
This case is likely to have ripple effects across Nigeria’s political landscape, potentially emboldening anti-corruption agencies to pursue other high-profile figures. It also serves as a reminder that the fight against corruption is far from over, and that sustained public pressure and judicial independence are essential for achieving meaningful accountability.
This article is based on reporting from the original source. For more details, read the full story at the original article.