The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday convicted and sentenced former Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman, to a cumulative 75 years’ imprisonment in absentia over ₦33.8 billion money laundering offences linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.

The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively, bringing the total prison term to 75 years.

Justice Omotosho held that Mamman’s absence from court on the day of sentencing, as well as during the previous adjourned sitting, was a deliberate attempt to frustrate the administration of justice.

He agreed with EFCC counsel, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the court possessed the authority to proceed with sentencing in the absence of the defendant, adding that Mamman could not validly claim a miscarriage of justice.

Consequently, the court sentenced Mamman to seven years’ imprisonment on Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, without an option of fine.

He was also sentenced to three years’ imprisonment on Count 4, with an option of a ₦10 million fine, and two years’ imprisonment on Count 5, without an option of fine.

The judge further ordered that all the sentences run consecutively.

In addition, the court directed the convict to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion already traced to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects, out of the ₦33.8 billion allegedly diverted.

The conviction followed a prolonged trial instituted by the EFCC, which accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to divert funds earmarked for the two major power projects.

Mamman was arraigned on July 11, 2024, on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

During the trial, the EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits in support of its case.

Following the close of the prosecution’s case, Mamman filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, contending that the EFCC had failed to establish sufficient evidence requiring him to open his defence.

However, in a ruling delivered on December 11, 2025, Justice Omotosho dismissed the application, holding that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the former minister.

The judge stressed that the ruling did not amount to a finding of guilt, but merely required the defendant to respond to the allegations against him.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to February 23, 2026, for continuation of defence before Wednesday’s final judgment brought the proceedings to a close.

The conviction marks one of the most significant corruption cases prosecuted by the EFCC since Mamman’s arrest and detention on May 10, 2021.