ABUJA — The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a cumulative 75 years’ imprisonment for fraud involving N33.8 billion meant for key hydropower projects.
Delivering judgment, James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on 12 counts bordering on the diversion of public funds and imposed separate prison terms on each count, ordering that they run consecutively rather than concurrently.
The ruling marks a significant departure from the more common practice where sentences run concurrently, effectively reducing total jail time. By ordering consecutive sentences, the court ensured the former minister would serve the full weight of the punishment.
According to the breakdown, the court sentenced Mamman to seven years’ imprisonment on 10 counts — specifically counts 1, 2, 3, and 6 through 12 — all without the option of a fine.
On count 4, the court imposed a three-year sentence with an option of a N10 million fine, while count 5 attracted a two-year prison term without the option of a fine.
The charges stemmed from the misappropriation of funds earmarked for Nigeria’s major hydropower projects, a sector critical to addressing the country’s persistent electricity challenges.
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Legal analysts say the judgment signals a rare but firm stance against high-level corruption in Nigeria’s public sector, particularly in infrastructure financing.
The conviction adds to ongoing efforts by authorities to strengthen accountability and restore public confidence in the management of national resources.
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