A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of diverting about ₦33.8 billion in public funds. Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting Mamman on all 12 counts of money laundering and fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court held that the EFCC proved beyond reasonable doubt that Mamman diverted funds earmarked for key national power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power schemes. Investigators told the court that large sums were moved through contractors and cronies before being traced to the former minister’s personal accounts and assets.
Justice Omotosho noted that Mamman personally benefited from the fraud, including the cash payment of 655,700 dollars (about ₦200 million) for a property in Abuja, in violation of cash transaction limits under Nigerian law. The court also cited evidence of luxury assets and investments acquired within and outside Nigeria with proceeds of the alleged crime.
In reaching the verdict, the judge described the prosecution’s evidence as “overwhelming”, pointing out that Mamman failed to present any credible defence against the detailed financial trail tendered in court. The EFCC called 17 witnesses and tendered over 40 documentary exhibits, including bank records, contract papers and statements, to nail the former minister.
Although the cumulative sentence adds up to 75 years, the court ordered that the jail terms on the various counts run concurrently, meaning Mamman will spend a shorter actual period behind bars as prescribed by law. The judge further ordered the forfeiture of identified properties and funds linked to the fraud, to be returned to the federal government.
Mamman served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under the administration of then President Muhammadu Buhari before he was sacked amid allegations of poor performance and questions over project funding. His conviction and sentencing have been hailed by anti-corruption advocates as a major statement on accountability in the management of Nigeria’s power sector funds.
About the author
Nine African teams through to World Cup knockout stage
Africa has achieved a historic milestone at the World Cup, with nine of its 10 teams advancing to the knockout stage. It is the continent’s best-ever group-stage performance at the tournament.thesun+1 Algeria became the final African side to confirm qualification after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Austria. The result sent the Desert Warriors through as one of the best third-placed teams.thesun The nine African teams in the knockout round are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Algeria. Tunisia was the only African nation to miss out, finishing bottom of its group without a point.instagram+1 The achievement underlines Africa’s growing strength on the global stage and gives the continent unprecedented momentum heading into the last 32. With nine teams still alive, Africa now has its strongest-ever chance of making a deep run at the […]
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, wife set to welcome third child
Media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu and his wife, Cynthia, are set to welcome their third child. Cynthia announced the news on Instagram, sharing maternity photos in a black dress.thenationonlineng She said it has been seven years since their last child was born and described each pregnancy as a unique experience. The mother of two said she is thankful for God’s guidance throughout the journey.thenationonlineng Cynthia also noted that the couple’s daughters, Jewel and Rubi, are excited about the new baby. The family says the pregnancy represents another joyful milestone for them.thenationonlineng Ebuka and Cynthia got married in 2014 and currently have two daughters.
APC national secretary loses mother
The APC national secretary has lost his mother, Hajiya Barira Usman Ginsau, who died at the age of 97 after a brief illness. The family said she passed away at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, bringing an end to a long life of service and devotion to her family.tvcnews She is survived by nine children and more than 100 grandchildren. Among her children are the District Head of Kafin Hausa and the APC National Financial Secretary, Ambassador Haruna Ginsau.tvcnews The funeral prayer is expected to be held at the Hadejia Central Mosque after Jumu’ah prayers. The family and community have been receiving condolences over the loss of the respected matriarch.
US lawmaker proposes bill to ban immigration from three African countries
A US lawmaker has proposed a bill that would ban immigration from three African countries, adding fresh pressure to an already contentious debate over American travel restrictions. The move comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten entry rules for several African nations on national security grounds.brookings+2 The proposal has not yet been fully detailed in the available reports, but it is being discussed alongside wider US immigration measures affecting dozens of countries. Recent White House restrictions have already placed countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger under full entry bans, while several others face partial limits.aljazeera+2 Analysts say the broader pattern shows that Africa remains heavily affected by Washington’s latest immigration policy shifts. In some cases, African governments have responded with reciprocal visa restrictions, deepening diplomatic tension.brookings+1 The development is likely to trigger criticism from immigration advocates and […]
Iran FM warns any challenge to Hormuz routes will increase tensions
Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that any attempt to challenge or bypass the shipping routes for the Strait of Hormuz agreed with the United States will “increase tensions” in the Middle East. Speaking during a visit to Baghdad, he said responsibility for managing traffic through the strategic waterway “rests solely” with Iran and that parallel arrangements by other countries would complicate efforts to restore stability.nampa+2 Araghchi argued that attempts to set up separate security frameworks or convoy systems outside the existing US–Iran memorandum of understanding would delay the full reopening of the strait and risk further escalation, as seen in recent nights of missile and drone exchanges. He urged Gulf states and Western powers to focus on implementing the MoU rather than pushing new plans that challenge Tehran’s control over Hormuz.news.yahoo+2 The warning comes after fresh tit-for-tat strikes […]
Police arrest 10 suspects over killing of Benue MACBAN chairman
The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa.punchng+1 Police Commissioner Clement Nwadiogbu, in a statement by spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, said the suspects were picked up during coordinated intelligence-led operations around Otukpo. Those arrested include Titus Tyodenda (25), Utibe Sam (20), Owoicho Ameh (18), Sunday Useni (21), Sunday Ogbanje (46), Daniel Raphael (23), Adokole John (24), Samuel Ogazi (32), Agbo Daniel (25) and Onazi James (30).thesun The MACBAN chairman and his companion were shot dead by gunmen shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini, with the attack occurring at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area. The incident has heightened fears of fresh violence in the area, which […]
Related
APC national secretary loses mother
The APC national secretary has lost his mother, Hajiya Barira Usman Ginsau, who died at the age of 97 after a brief illness. The family said she passed away at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, bringing an end to a long life of service and devotion to her family.tvcnews She is survived by nine children and more than 100 grandchildren. Among her children are the District Head of Kafin Hausa and the APC National Financial Secretary, Ambassador Haruna Ginsau.tvcnews The funeral prayer is expected to be held at the Hadejia Central Mosque after Jumu’ah prayers. The family and community have been receiving condolences over the loss of the respected matriarch.
Police arrest 10 suspects over killing of Benue MACBAN chairman
The Benue State Police Command says it has arrested 10 suspects in connection with the killing of the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and one Yakubu Isa.punchng+1 Police Commissioner Clement Nwadiogbu, in a statement by spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, said the suspects were picked up during coordinated intelligence-led operations around Otukpo. Those arrested include Titus Tyodenda (25), Utibe Sam (20), Owoicho Ameh (18), Sunday Useni (21), Sunday Ogbanje (46), Daniel Raphael (23), Adokole John (24), Samuel Ogazi (32), Agbo Daniel (25) and Onazi James (30).thesun The MACBAN chairman and his companion were shot dead by gunmen shortly after attending a peace meeting in Ohinmini, with the attack occurring at Okudu village in neighbouring Otukpo Local Government Area. The incident has heightened fears of fresh violence in the area, which […]
FG processing new flight to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa
The Federal Government is processing a new evacuation flight to bring more Nigerians home from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals. Officials say hundreds of citizens have registered to return and will be airlifted at no cost to them.punchng+1 According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, screening and documentation of willing returnees has been extended so that more affected Nigerians can be captured. President Bola Tinubu has approved multiple evacuation flights to be operated by Nigerian carrier Air Peace, with each trip expected to carry around 260–270 passengers back to Lagos.guardianyoutubeguardian+1 The government says the new flight is part of a broader programme to fully evacuate all Nigerians who wish to leave South Africa by the end of June, in response to ongoing tensions and attacks. Returnees will be received in Lagos by federal officials and given […]
Police rescue five kidnapped victims in Ogun
The police in Ogun State have rescued five kidnapped victims during an operation against armed abductors. The victims were freed after a coordinated response by police operatives who acted on intelligence about the kidnappers’ hideout. The rescue followed a gun battle between the police and the suspected abductors. According to reports, the kidnappers fled after being overpowered by the security team. The rescued victims were later taken for medical checks and debriefing. Police said the operation is part of ongoing efforts to crack down on kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state. They added that search operations are still ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects. The development comes as security agencies continue to intensify their fight against kidnapping across Nigeria.
INEC awaits court CTC on NDC ruling
The Independent National Electoral Commission has said it is waiting for the Certified True Copy, CTC, of a Federal High Court judgment concerning the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, before taking any action. INEC said it is aware of reports about the ruling but cannot comment on the specifics until it receives and studies the court document. The commission said its legal department will review the judgment once the CTC is delivered. The court had reportedly set aside an earlier judgment that directed INEC to register the NDC as a political party. The latest decision means the matter is now back before the court for further hearing. INEC said it will take a lawful and informed position after examining the ruling in full. Until then, the commission urged the public to wait for its official response. The development is another twist […]
Army announces major shake-up, names new GOCs, commanders
The Nigerian Army has announced a major shake-up involving the redeployment and appointment of several senior officers, including new General Officers Commanding (GOCs) and key formation commanders. The reshuffle affects operational commands, training institutions and strategic staff positions as part of efforts to boost national security and improve operational effectiveness across the country.thesourceng+1 Under the new postings, Major General W.M. Dangana has been appointed GOC 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, replacing Major General E.F. Oyinlola. Major General E.I. Okoro will now serve as GOC 6 Division and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, taking over from Major General E.E. Emeka.vop+1 Major General J.R. Lar has been named Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, one of the service’s key administrative and operational hubs. In the Army headquarters, Brigadier […]