Nigeria, the gavel has fallen — and it fell HARD. A former government minister who was supposed to fix the country’s electricity crisis has instead been handed one of the most jaw-dropping prison sentences in Nigerian judicial history. Seventy-five years. Let that sink in.
Who Is Saleh Mamman?
Saleh Mamman served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power under the late President Muhammadu Buhari. He was the man entrusted with tackling one of Nigeria’s most persistent and painful problems — electricity. The same Nigeria where generators have become a way of life. The same Nigeria where people charge their phones at shopping malls because there’s no light at home. That Nigeria handed this man enormous power and resources to fix things.
Instead? He allegedly helped himself.
The Verdict That Shocked Nigeria
The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Mamman to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of fraud and money laundering involving approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
₦33.8 billion. In a country where hospitals lack basic equipment and roads swallow people whole.
The judgment was delivered by Justice James Omotosho, who convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Not some of the counts. Not most of them. All twelve. Every single one.
How the Sentence Breaks Down
According to the court’s ruling, the former minister received seven-year prison terms on 10 counts, while counts four and five attracted separate sentences of three years and two years respectively. Justice Omotosho ruled that all sentences would run consecutively, bringing the total prison term to 75 years.
Consecutively — meaning one after the other. Not simultaneously. The judge made sure there would be no clever calculation that cuts the sentence short.
The court also stated that there would be no option of fine on most counts, except for count four, where Mamman was given the option to pay a ₦10 million fine.
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Properties Seized, Cash Forfeited
The punishment didn’t stop at prison time. The court ordered the forfeiture of multiple foreign currencies recovered from the former minister, as well as four high-value properties in Abuja traced to him during investigations.
Four properties in Abuja. Foreign currencies. All gone.
How Was the Money Stolen?
This is where the story gets truly scandalous. The former minister was found guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700 — equivalent to about ₦200 million — for the purchase of a property in Abuja without routing the transaction through a financial institution, in violation of anti-money laundering laws.
Over half a million dollars. In cash. For a property purchase. Just like that.
The court also found him culpable in the diversion and criminal breach of trust involving government funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Projects. These are the very projects that were supposed to transform Nigeria’s electricity supply. The money earmarked to light up millions of Nigerian homes allegedly ended up lining this man’s pockets.
According to evidence presented during trial, a significant portion of the stolen funds was allegedly funneled through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currencies before handing it over to Mamman.
A whole network. Bureau de Change operators. Foreign currency conversions. This wasn’t a mistake — this was an operation.
He Was Convicted in Absentia — Twice
Here’s the part that will make your blood boil. Mamman had earlier been convicted in absentia on May 7 after failing to appear in court. And when sentencing day arrived? Still no show.
A lawyer who appeared on his behalf, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that he was unable to reach his client and did not know his current whereabouts. He doesn’t know where his own client is. In 2026. With a 75-year sentence hanging over his head.
The Judge Did Not Hold Back
Justice Omotosho clearly had a lot to say — and none of it was kind. The judge noted that instead of addressing the country’s long-standing electricity challenges, Mamman chose to enrich himself at the expense of ordinary Nigerians. He added that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming, while the defence failed to provide any credible rebuttal.
No credible defence. Overwhelming prosecution evidence. A country let down. The judge said what millions of Nigerians have been saying for years.
Now the Manhunt Begins
Following the sentencing, the court ordered all relevant Nigerian security agencies to work with Interpol to ensure Mamman’s arrest. Justice Omotosho further ruled that the prison sentence will begin counting from the date of his eventual arrest.
So wherever he is hiding right now — the clock hasn’t even started yet. When they catch him, that’s Day One of 75 years.
Why This Case Matters
The case has attracted widespread public attention, particularly because it involves funds meant for critical national power infrastructure projects in a country still battling persistent electricity shortages.
Every Nigerian who has sat in the dark, spoiled food because of no power, or lost a business to generator costs — this case is personal. The Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects could have changed lives. Instead, the money walked out the door dressed in foreign currency.
Nigeria is watching. Interpol is now involved. And somewhere out there, Saleh Mamman is hiding from a 75-year sentence that hasn’t even started yet. 👀⚖️
