Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Sentenced in Absentia to 75 Years for Mambilla Project Fraud

By Victor Idajili

 A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison in absentia after convicting him on 12 counts of money laundering involving N33.8 billion linked to the stalled Mambilla hydropower project.  

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The sentences on 10 of the counts carry seven years each without the option of a fine. He also handed a three-year sentence with a N10 million fine option on one count, and two years without a fine on another. The judge ordered that the terms run consecutively, starting from the date of Mamman’s arrest.  

Mamman was not in court for the sentencing. Justice Omotosho said his absence was a deliberate attempt to frustrate the trial but held that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act allows the court to proceed. “The defendant cannot claim a miscarriage of justice,” the judge said.  

The court also ordered the final forfeiture of two Abuja properties linked to Mamman and directed him to refund the difference between assets already recovered and the N22 billion the prosecution traced from the N33.8 billion allegedly diverted from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydro projects. Justice Omotosho directed security agencies and INTERPOL to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service.  

Mamman, who recently joined the Taraba governorship race under the APC, was tried over funds meant for the 3,050 MW Mambilla project in Taraba State. The project, estimated at N2.1 trillion, has been on the drawing board for more than 40 years and has seen little progress since 2017 when the Power Ministry secured a Certificate of No Objection.  

When completed, Mambilla is expected to be Nigeria’s largest power plant, adding about 30% to national generation, improving grid stability, and raising electricity access to 90% by 2030. It is also planned to supply power to Niger, Togo, Benin, and Chad.  

Speaking on the sentence, Mamman’s lawyer, Ahmed Raji (SAN), said consecutive sentencing is not unusual. “If he has sentences for different offences, he serves one after the other. Nobody knows his lifespan; maybe he will live for 150 years,” Raji said.