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Former minister convicted in absentia
Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a rare conviction against a high-ranking official, sentencing former Power Minister Saleh Mamman to 75 years in prison for laundering 33.8 billion naira ($24.7 million). The 68-year-old was found guilty on 12 counts, including using private firms to siphon funds earmarked for government-backed power projects.
Disappearance and political ambitions
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2021, was sentenced in absentia on Wednesday. The EFCC confirmed he has been "out of circulation" and untraceable since the verdict. An arrest warrant was issued by an Abuja high court on Monday.
Despite his legal troubles, Mamman had announced plans to run for governor of Taraba State in Nigeria's 2027 elections under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In a social media post weeks before his sentencing, he declared: "Today marks a defining moment in my journey of service to our dear state."
Court orders repayment of stolen funds
The high court also mandated Mamman to repay 22 billion naira ($16 million) linked to the fraud. His tenure as power minister coincided with Buhari's anti-corruption campaign, though Mamman was later dismissed in a cabinet reshuffle after the president cited an "independent and critical self-review."
Broader anti-graft crackdown
Mamman's case is part of a wider EFCC effort targeting former officials. Recent investigations include ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, who was recently declared wanted. Both have denied wrongdoing.
Public outrage over power crisis
The conviction has reignited frustration over Nigeria's persistent electricity shortages. Despite being Africa's largest energy producer, the country faces frequent blackouts, forcing households and businesses to rely on costly fuel-powered generators. Mamman had previously pledged to address the crisis, but his tenure saw no significant improvements.
What's next
EFCC officials have vowed to intensify efforts to locate Mamman, though his whereabouts remain unknown. The agency continues to pursue other high-profile corruption cases, signaling a renewed push against graft in Nigeria's public sector.
