Buhari’s Power Minister, Mamman Saleh Sentenced to 75-yrs for Stealing N38.8billion Power Funds
Former Minister of Power, Mamman Kwagyang Saleh has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
Saleh, a native of Taraba State for the minister of power from August 2019 to September 2021, he was appointed by former president, Muhammadu Buhari at the beginning of his second tenure in office.
The 75-year sentence was consequent upon his earlier conviction for criminally diverting N33.8 billion public funds meant for power projects in Nigeria for his personal use.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had arrested and arraigned the former minister to court on charges of money laundering laundering and conspiracy involving funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering filed against him by the EFCC.
The court ordered that the sentences on each count run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years. Justice Omotosho also ruled that the sentence would begin from the date of Mamman’s arrest, as he was convicted in absentia.
The judge further directed all security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found. He also ordered the forfeiture of all recovered funds and properties linked to the convict to the Federal Government.
In addition, the court ordered Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the ₦22 billion traced to funds meant for the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project.
The conviction followed a trial in which the EFCC alleged that Mamman conspired with ministry officials and private firms to divert about ₦33.8 billion allocated for the two power projects.
Mamman was arraigned on July 11, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge. During the proceedings, the EFCC presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits.
He later filed a no-case submission on November 19, 2025, arguing that the prosecution failed to establish sufficient evidence. However, the court dismissed the application on December 11, 2025, holding that a prima facie case had been made against him.
The case was then adjourned for defence hearing before Wednesday’s judgment, which concludes a high-profile corruption trial that began with Mamman’s arrest by the EFCC on May 10, 2021