The Federal High Court has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment for diverting N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mamman fraudulently diverted the funds through ministry officials, private companies, and Bureau de Change operators.
The former minister, who recently purchased the APC governorship nomination form in Taraba State, is also facing a separate trial at the FCT High Court in Maitama over an alleged diversion of another N31 billion meant for the Mambilla Power Project.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice James Omotosho convicted Mamman, who has reportedly gone into hiding and was absent during the last court sitting. The judge sentenced him on multiple counts and ruled that the prison terms run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
Justice Omotosho further ordered that the jail term would commence from the day Mamman is arrested. He also directed all security agencies, including Interpol, to apprehend the former minister wherever he is found.
The court equally ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the convict to the Federal Government, while directing him to refund the outstanding N22 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
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