A former Minister of Power, Mamman Saleh, has been sentenced to 75 years imprisonment over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, delivered the judgment on Wednesday, sentencing the former minister to seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts, three years on count four, and two years on count five.

The court ruled that the sentences would run consecutively and without an option of fine, except for count four, which carries a N10 million fine option.

Justice Omotosho also directed security agencies across the country to arrest Saleh wherever he is found, noting that his jail term would commence from the day of his arrest.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the former minister, alongside four Abuja properties linked to him. The judge also directed him to refund the outstanding balance from the alleged N22 billion traced to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Saleh in July 2024 on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering, conspiracy, and diversion of public funds meant for critical power projects.

According to the anti-graft agency, the former minister allegedly conspired with ministry officials and private firms to divert N33.8 billion earmarked for the projects.

Although Saleh pleaded not guilty, the prosecution, led by Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits before the court. The defence, however, did not call any witness.

In his judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the EFCC successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

“The prosecution established that at least N22 billion was siphoned by the defendant and his cronies. The defence failed to rebut the evidence presented before the court,” the judge ruled.

He condemned the former minister’s actions, describing them as a betrayal of public trust.

“For a defendant who occupied such a critical office, rather than creating a legacy by improving power supply, he chose to divert public funds for personal gain,” the judge said.

Justice Omotosho added that the defendant used proxy companies and accomplices in an attempt to conceal the transactions, but investigators were able to trace the funds.

The court had earlier issued a warrant for Saleh’s arrest after he failed to appear for sentencing.