Former Government Official Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison for Embezzling N33.8 Billion

The Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a 75-year prison sentence to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, for embezzling public funds totaling approximately ₦33.8 billion.

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The judgment, delivered by Justice James Omotosho, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of fraud and money laundering charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

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Mamman received a sentence of seven years for each of the 10 counts, while counts four and five resulted in sentences of three years and two years, respectively.

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Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentences would run consecutively, with no option for a fine, except for count four, which allowed for a ₦10 million fine.

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The court also ordered the forfeiture of various foreign currencies recovered from Mamman, as well as four properties in Abuja linked to him.

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On May 7, the court had convicted Mamman in absentia, with Justice Omotosho stating that the EFCC had successfully established the former minister's culpability beyond reasonable doubt.

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The conviction was based on the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, with Mamman having served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

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The court found that Mamman had made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.

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Mamman was also found guilty of criminal breach of trust related to funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.

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The court noted that the funds were largely siphoned off through Bureau de Change operators, who converted the money into foreign currencies and handed it over to Mamman.

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Justice Omotosho observed that the prosecution's evidence was overwhelming, while Mamman's defense was virtually non-existent.

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The judge criticized Mamman for prioritizing personal gain over leaving a lasting legacy as Minister of Power, instead contributing to the country's ongoing power supply issues.

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Mamman was absent when the sentence was passed, despite a warrant having been issued for his arrest.

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His lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed, informed the court that he was unaware of Mamman's whereabouts and had been unable to contact him.

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Following the sentencing, Justice Omotosho directed all security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to ensure Mamman's arrest.

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The court ruled that the sentence would commence from the date of Mamman's arrest.