Story perspectives

Power Minister Saleh Mamman Convicted, Sentenced, Repay ?22 bn

5/14/2026

Summary

Mamman Convicted

On 7 May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Power Minister Saleh Mamman of 12 counts of fraud and money laundering.
The court found he diverted ?33.8 billion from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydro projects and ordered repayment of ?22 billion.
He was sentenced to prison terms, with the judgment recording a $655,700 cash payment for an Abuja property not from any financial institution, despite his absence from the trial.

Summary

Mamman Sentenced

A 75-year prison sentence was imposed, which analysts say could boost Nigeria’s anti-corruption credibility.
The EFCC presented 17 witnesses and 43 exhibits linking the funds to Bureau de Change operators.
Legal experts say the ruling could force tighter procurement oversight, stronger infrastructure-finance monitoring, and revive scrutiny of the cost-overrun Mambilla and Zungeru hydro projects.
Observers warn the scandal erodes investor confidence and adds fiscal pressure as Nigeria’s debt service grows.

Summary

Mamman Fined

The sentencing judgment gave Saleh Mamman a N10 million fine option only on count four, with no fine alternative on the other ten counts.
Justice James Omotosho cited the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 to proceed despite Mamman's absence.
Court records show Mamman was arraigned on July 11 2024 after his May 2021 arrest, with earlier hearings delayed for health reasons.
EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, presented the prosecution’s case at the sentencing hearing.

Summary

Interpol Hunts Mamman

Interpol was enlisted to help Nigerian security agencies locate and arrest former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman.
Justice James Omodosho rebuked Mamman for enriching himself while Nigeria suffered an “epileptic” power supply and ordered forfeiture of all assets, including an Abuja property bought for $655,700 in cash.
Security agencies were told to arrest Mamman, with a 75-year term to start after capture, despite his lawyer’s unproven claim of illness.

History

Historical Context

After Nigeria’s 1999 return to civilian rule, President Olusegun Obasanjo launched an anti-corruption drive that led to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s creation on 12 December 2002, operational from 13 April 2003 under Nuhu Ribadu. Prompted by FATF’s list of 23 non-cooperative states, the EFCC now prosecutes former Power Minister Saleh Mamman for diverting ?33.8 billion, underscoring the agency’s enduring mandate.

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Mamman Convicted

On 7 May 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Power Minister Saleh Mamman of 12 counts of fraud and money laundering.
The court found he diverted ?33.8 billion from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydro projects and ordered repayment of ?22 billion.
He was sentenced to prison terms, with the judgment recording a $655,700 cash payment for an Abuja property not from any financial institution, despite his absence from the trial.

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