A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison for a multi-billion-naira fraud linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice James Omotosho after the court found the former minister guilty on several charges involving corruption, money laundering, and diversion of public funds amounting to N33.8 billion.
According to the court, the prison terms attached to the counts will run consecutively, bringing Mamman’s total sentence to 75 years behind bars.
Justice Omotosho also ordered security agencies nationwide to immediately arrest the former minister wherever he is found, stating that the jail term would begin from the date of his arrest.
In addition, the court ruled that all assets, properties, and funds recovered from Mamman in connection with the fraud be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The judge further directed the former minister to refund the outstanding balance linked to the alleged N33.8 billion fraud tied to the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.
The ruling is being described as one of the toughest corruption-related judgments handed to a former Nigerian cabinet member in recent years, as anti-corruption agencies continue their crackdown on former public officials accused of financial crimes.
Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari before leaving office in 2021.
No comments:
Post a Comment