Former power minister of Nigeria Saleh Mamman has been sentenced to 75 years in prison after being convicted of laundering 33.8 billion naira linked to power projects.
The court in Abuja found the 68-year-old guilty on multiple charges connected to the illegal movement of public funds through private companies. Authorities say Mamman disappeared after the ruling, leading to an arrest warrant issued by the court.
The former minister served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2021. Ironically, Buhari’s government had promised to fight corruption and improve electricity supply across the country.
Despite leading Africa’s biggest oil producer, Nigeria still struggles with regular blackouts. Millions of homes and businesses depend on generators because of weak electricity supply and rising fuel prices.
The court also ordered Mamman to repay 22 billion naira. His conviction is part of a wider anti-corruption campaign led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission targeting former government officials.
