Former Power Minister Mamman Saleh Sentenced to 75 Years

Mamman Saleh, the former Minister of Power, was sentenced to 75 years in prison by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday for his involvement in a fraud scheme amounting to N33.8 billion. The court found Saleh guilty on multiple counts related to money laundering and conspiracy, specifically tied to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The sentence includes seven years for the first count, ten years for the second, three years for the third, and two years for the fifth count, all to run consecutively without an option of fine, except for the fourth count, which allows for a N10 million fine. Justice Omotosho also ordered the forfeiture of foreign currency and properties linked to Saleh and directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest him wherever found.

The court's decision followed a thorough investigation that established Saleh's diversion of funds meant for public projects for personal gain.