A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud case linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on multiple counts bordering on fraud and corruption.
The court ruled that the former minister should serve various prison terms on each count, adding that the sentences would run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.
Justice Omotosho further directed that the sentence “will begin to run from the day the convict is arrested,” ordering security agencies, including Interpol, to apprehend Mamman wherever he is found.
The judge also ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the former minister to the Federal Government.
In addition, the court directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the alleged ₦22 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
“The recovered funds and properties are hereby forfeited to the Federal Government,” Justice Omotosho declared during the ruling.
He added that “every security agency, including Interpol, is mandated to arrest the convict wherever he is seen.”
The conviction marks one of the most high-profile corruption judgments involving a former cabinet member in recent years.
