A Nigerian court on May 13 sentenced former Energy Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison for embezzling and laundering more than €21 million intended for hydroelectric power projects. The conviction, delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja, relates to funds diverted during his tenure between 2019 and 2021. Mamman was found guilty on multiple counts of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds.
According to the court, the sentences for each of the twelve charges will run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative prison term of 75 years.
Investigators said Mamman diverted 33.8 billion naira (over €21 million) through private companies and bureau de change operators. The money was originally allocated for the development of hydroelectric dams—critical infrastructure in a country frequently affected by electricity shortages.
“Instead of leaving a legacy addressing the country’s power supply challenges, the defendant lived large at the expense of ordinary citizens,” said Justice Omotosho during the ruling.
Despite the verdict, Mamman was not present in court at the time of sentencing. Although he appeared and pleaded not guilty during earlier proceedings in 2024, he failed to attend both the final hearing and the delivery of the judgment on Wednesday.
The court has issued an arrest warrant to ensure his detention.
Nigeria, Africa’s fourth-largest economy and the continent’s leading oil producer, continues to struggle with chronic electricity shortages due to an ageing grid and insufficient generation capacity. According to the World Bank, more than 40% of Nigerians still lack access to electricity.
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