The sentencing of former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman on May 13, 2026, marks one of the most significant judicial outcomes in Nigeria’s fight against corruption. The 75-year prison sentence handed down by the Federal High Court in Abuja sends a clear message regarding the management of critical national infrastructure funds.
Here is the full breakdown of the landmark judgment:
Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts of money laundering and conspiracy.
- The Math: The judge sentenced him to seven years for 10 of the counts, three years for count four, and two years for count five.
- The Catch: Because the judge ruled that the sentences must run consecutively (one after the other) rather than concurrently, the total term equals 75 years.
- No Option of Fine: With the exception of a N10 million fine allowed for one specific count, there is no option for Mamman to pay his way out of the jail term.
The most striking part of the day was Mamman’s absence. His legal team claimed they did not know his whereabouts and that his phone lines were unreachable.
- Justice Dismisses Health Claims: The judge dismissed previous claims of “ill-health” as a deliberate tactic to obstruct justice.
- Global Manhunt: The court has issued a bench warrant and ordered all Nigerian security agencies to liaise with Interpol to track down and arrest the former minister, whether he is within Nigeria or abroad.
- Start Date: The 75-year sentence will officially begin the day he is apprehended.
The funds in question were earmarked for two of Nigeria’s most vital energy projects: the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects.
- The Impact: Justice Omotosho came down hard on the former minister, noting that his “greed” and “living large” at the expense of the public contributed directly to Nigeria’s persistent power supply failures.
- Forfeiture: The court ordered the final forfeiture of four choice properties in Abuja and various foreign currencies recovered during the investigation.
