The Federal High Court in Abuja, FCT, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a total of 75 years in prison for stealing and laundering about ₦33.8 billion meant for power projects.………
Justice James Omotosho convicted the ex-minister on all 12 counts of fraud and money laundering brought by the EFCC. The money was allegedly diverted from major projects like Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power plants during his time as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The judge ordered the sentences to run consecutively, meaning no option of lighter punishment. Mamman was sentenced in his absence, and the court has ordered security agencies to arrest him immediately.
The EFCC proved in court that Mamman moved public funds into unauthorised accounts and used them for personal benefits. The court also ordered him to forfeit some properties and repay the stolen money. This case has shocked many because Nigeria still suffers serious power shortages despite huge money spent on the sector.
Social media has been on fire since the news broke. Many Nigerians celebrated the judgment. One user wrote, “Finally! 75 years for looting power money. This na real justice. EFCC well done!” Another commented, “While we dey suffer NEPA bill and darkness, minister dey chop billions. Make dem arrest am now!” Some said, “75 years? He go die inside prison. Good for am.” A few raised questions: “Will the money return? Or na just jail without recovery?” Others warned, “All these past ministers, EFCC should go after them one by one.”
This heavy sentence sends a strong message against corruption in government. Nigerians are happy to see one big man face the law, but many are still waiting to see if the stolen money will be recovered and used to improve electricity in the country.
