Former Nigerian power minister jailed 75 Years over money laundering

Former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for laundering 33.8 billion naira ($24.7 million; £18.5 million), marking one of the most significant convictions of a public official in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.

He was found guilty last week on 12 charges, including diverting funds through private companies linked to government-funded power projects.

Mamman was sentenced in absentia on Wednesday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said he had been “out of circulation” and “without trace” since his conviction.

A court in Abuja had earlier issued an arrest warrant for him on Monday. Mamman, who served as power minister from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has not publicly responded to the ruling.

Just weeks before his sentencing, he had announced intentions to contest the 2027 Taraba State governorship election under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), stating on social media that he had obtained nomination forms and was committed to serving the state.

During his time in office, Mamman led the power ministry while the Buhari administration pledged to tackle corruption and improve electricity supply. However, he was later dismissed during a cabinet reshuffle described by the president as part of an “independent and critical self-review.”

The court also ordered him to refund 22 billion naira ($16 million; £12 million) as part of the judgment.

His conviction forms part of a broader anti-corruption campaign targeting former officials. Other high-profile cases under investigation include former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, both of whom have denied wrongdoing.

The case has renewed public frustration over Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, especially given Mamman’s earlier promises to improve the sector. Despite being one of Africa’s major energy producers, Nigeria continues to experience frequent power outages, forcing many homes and businesses to rely on costly fuel-powered generators amid rising fuel prices.