Jailed Nigerian Minister Saleh Mamman’s jail term for fraud is the highest, surpassing previous records set by other high-profile fraud cases. The conviction was based on a case involving the diversion of public fund for the Mambilla and zungeru hydroelectric power projects, critical to Nigeria’s power problem.
It is believed that this would serve as deterrent to other office holders.
A Nigeria Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Mamman, a former minister of power, to 75 years in prison for money laundering and fraud to the tune of N33.8 billion. Mamman was convicted on all 12 counts preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
It is on record that this is one of the highest sentence for fraud in Nigeria.
He was sentenced to seven years each on 10 counts and handed three years and two years each on counts four and five of the charge. James Omotosho, presiding judge, held that the sentence should run consecutively without the option of a fine, except on count four, which allows for a N10 million fine. The court also ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies that were recovered from the convict, as well as four choice properties in Abuja that were traced to him. In July 2024, the EFCC arraigned Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and conspiracy with officials at the ministry and some private companies to “indirectly convert” the sum of N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.He had pleaded not guilty to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
The EFCC had called 17 witnesses who testified before the court and tendered 43 exhibits before closing its case.
On May 7, Mamman was convicted in absentia. Omotosho held that he was satisfied that the anti-graft agency had successfully established the ex-minister’s culpability beyond a reasonable doubt.The court also issued a warrant for his arrest. Mohammed Ahmed, who announced his appearance for the convict on Wednesday, told the court that he did not know Mamman’s whereabouts, adding that calls placed to his phone lines had failed.
