By Palang Paul
A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Delivering judgment on Tuesday 12th May 2026, Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on multiple counts related to corruption, money laundering, and diversion of public funds linked to the power projects.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused the former minister of siphoning the funds through ministry officials, private firms, and Bureau de Change operators during his tenure in office.
The court heard that Mamman, who was absent during the last court proceedings and is reportedly on the run, used the diverted funds for personal enrichment while critical national power infrastructure projects suffered setbacks.
Justice Omotosho ordered that the prison terms imposed on the former minister run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The judge further ruled that the sentence would commence from the date of Mamman’s arrest and directed all security agencies, including Interpol, to apprehend him wherever he is found.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the convict to the Federal Government.
In addition, Mamman was directed to refund the outstanding N22 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The former minister is also facing a separate trial before the FCT High Court in Maitama over the alleged diversion of another N31 billion connected to the Mambilla Power Project.
Mamman recently purchased the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship nomination forms for the 2027 Taraba State governorship race.
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