Former Nigerian Power Minister Sentenced to 75 Years for Money Laundering
On Wednesday, a Federal High Court in Abuja handed down a 75‑year prison term to Saleh Mamman, Nigeria’s former minister of power, after he was convicted of laundering 33.8 billion naira (approximately US $24.6 million). The verdict was delivered in absentia, meaning Mamman was not present in the courtroom when the sentence was read.
How the Case Unfolded
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated Mamman’s tenure from 2019 to 2021, alleging that he diverted funds earmarked for hydro‑electricity projects into personal accounts. According to the EFCC’s statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the money laundering scheme involved multiple layers of transactions designed to conceal the illicit origin of the funds.
Justice James Omotosho presided over the trial and concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution met the legal threshold for a money‑laundering conviction under Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act.
Broader Context of Nigeria’s Power Sector
Nigeria, Africa’s fourth‑largest economy and the continent’s leading oil producer, continues to grapple with chronic electricity shortages. The World Bank estimates that more than 40 percent of Nigerians lack access to grid‑connected electricity, a gap that hampers industrial growth and undermines quality of life.
Experts point to a combination of aging infrastructure, insufficient generation capacity, and governance challenges as the root causes of the deficit. Corruption allegations, such as those against Mamman, are frequently cited as exacerbating factors that divert resources away from much‑needed upgrades.
Implications for Anti‑Corruption Efforts
Mamman’s sentence marks a notable development in Nigeria’s anti‑corruption landscape. He is the first minister who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari—a leader who campaigned on a platform of integrity—to be imprisoned for graft since Buhari’s administration ended in 2023.
The EFCC noted that several other high‑ranking officials from Buhari’s cabinet are currently facing trial for various fraud‑related charges, including:
- A former Justice Minister
- An ex‑Central Bank Governor
- A former Labor Minister
These parallel proceedings suggest a sustained push by anti‑corruption agencies to hold public servants accountable, although observers caution that judicial delays and procedural hurdles can affect the pace of justice.
Looking Ahead
While the sentencing sends a strong signal about the consequences of financial misconduct, stakeholders emphasize that systemic reforms are essential to restore reliable power supply. Investment in renewable energy, grid modernization, and transparent procurement processes are widely regarded as critical steps toward closing Nigeria’s electricity access gap.
As the case continues to reverberate through political and economic circles, it serves as a reminder of the intertwined challenges of governance, infrastructure development, and anti‑corruption enforcement in Africa’s largest economy.
