BREAKING: Court Jails Ex-Minister 75 Years Amid Reports Of 2027 Governorship Ambition
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud and money laundering case linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The judgment comes amid recent reports that the former minister had shown interest in the 2027 governorship race, with claims circulating that he recently obtained a governorship nomination form ahead of the elections.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho found Mamman guilty on all 12 counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The charges bordered on conspiracy and money laundering involving funds allocated for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
According to the court, the prison terms attached to the 12 counts are to run consecutively, resulting in a combined jail term of 75 years.
Justice Omotosho further ruled that the sentence should take effect from the date of the former minister’s arrest, noting that Mamman was sentenced in absentia.
The court also directed security agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he is found and ensure he is taken into custody.
In addition, the judge ordered that all recovered funds and properties linked to the case be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court equally directed the former minister to refund the outstanding balance of the ₦22 billion reportedly traced to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The development has continued to generate reactions within political and public circles, especially following reports linking the former minister to preparations for the 2027 political season.
