Reach More Customers
Promote Your Business Online Today
Abuja, FCT – By Prime Brief Media
A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on all 12 counts of money laundering and sentenced him to 75 years in prison. The judgement was delivered in absentia by Justice Emeka Nwite after Mamman, who had been granted bail, failed to appear in court for the scheduled verdict. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of all assets traced to the former minister and issued a warrant for his immediate arrest.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had charged Mamman with diverting ₦33.8 billion from funds allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects between 2019 and 2021. Prosecutors presented evidence that the former minister channelled the money through shell companies, some registered in the names of his relatives and associates, and used a portion to acquire luxury properties in Abuja, London, and Dubai. "This is a landmark conviction that sends a clear message that public office is not a licence to loot," EFCC lead counsel, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), told journalists after the ruling.
Justice Nwite, in his judgement, said the evidence against Mamman was "overwhelming and incontrovertible," noting that bank statements, property documents, and witness testimonies all pointed to a carefully orchestrated scheme to defraud the government. The court sentenced him to 7 years on each of the 10 counts of money laundering and 5 years on each of the 2 counts of conspiracy, with the terms to run concurrently, effectively resulting in a 7-year prison term. However, some counts are to run consecutively, bringing the total to 75 years. Legal experts note that the consecutive sentencing, while symbolically severe, may be reduced on appeal if Mamman ever submits himself to the court's jurisdiction.
Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 until his removal in 2021 amid allegations of corruption. He is one of several former officials convicted of graft in recent years as Nigeria intensifies its anti-corruption campaign. The EFCC has declared him wanted, and the Nigeria Immigration Service has been directed to place him on a watchlist. The former minister's whereabouts remain unknown, though unconfirmed reports suggest he may be in the Middle East. His lawyer told the court he would appeal the conviction.
Prime Brief Media is closely following political reactions and will provide updates as the situation evolves.
#SalehMamman #Conviction #MoneyLaundering #NigeriaPolitics #PrimeBriefMedia
Post a Comment