The Federal High Court has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the former minister allegedly diverted the funds through ministry officials, private firms, and Bureau de Change operators.
Mamman, who recently purchased the APC governorship nomination forms in Taraba State, is also facing another trial at the FCT High Court in Maitama over the alleged diversion of N31 billion linked to the Mambilla Power Project.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice Omotosho sentenced Mamman on multiple counts and ruled that the prison terms would run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The court noted that the former minister, who is currently on the run, was absent during the last court proceedings. Justice Omotosho further ordered that the sentence would begin from the day of his arrest and directed all security agencies, including Interpol, to apprehend him wherever he is found.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of all funds 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.
