A Nigerian court has handed down a landmark 75-year prison sentence to Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, after finding him guilty of laundering 33.8 billion naira (approximately $24.7 million) through fraudulent contracts linked to government-funded power projects. The verdict, delivered in absentia on Wednesday, marks one of the most significant corruption convictions in Nigeria’s recent history—a country where high-level graft has long gone unpunished.
The 68-year-old ex-minister, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2021, was convicted on 12 counts including money laundering and abuse of office. According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mamman has been “out of circulation” and “without trace” since his conviction, with an arrest warrant issued on Monday after he failed to appear for sentencing.
A Governor-in-Waiting
In a twist that has baffled observers, Mamman announced just weeks before his sentencing that he intended to run for governor of Taraba State in 2027, under Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party. In a social media post that has since gone viral, he declared: “Today marks a defining moment in my journey of service to our dear state. With a deep sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment, I have officially obtained the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms.”
The announcement drew widespread criticism given his pending conviction. His continued political ambitions despite facing serious criminal charges underscore the deep-rooted links between political power and accountability gaps in Nigeria’s system.
The Electricity Crisis Connection
Mamman’s conviction has struck a particularly raw nerve with Nigerians. During his tenure as power minister, he had promised to end the country’s chronic electricity shortages—a promise that proved hollow. Nigeria, despite being one of Africa’s largest energy producers, continues to suffer from pervasive blackouts that affect homes and businesses alike. Millions of households and companies rely on expensive fuel-powered generators, while rising fuel prices have compounded the financial burden on ordinary citizens.
The timing of this case—following other high-profile anti-corruption actions against former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq—suggests the EFCC is widening its net. Farouq was recently declared wanted by the agency, though both have denied the allegations against them.
A Rare Conviction
What makes this case exceptional is its rarity. High-level corruption in Nigeria has historically resulted in few convictions, with cases bogged down in legal technicalities, political interference, and deliberate stalling tactics. The fact that Mamman was tried, convicted, and sentenced—even while remaining at large—represents a notable shift.
The court has ordered Mamman to repay 22 billion naira ($16 million) to the state. Whether these funds will ever be recovered, given his current whereabouts, remains uncertain.
The Broader Anti-Corruption Drive
Mamman was eventually sacked by Buhari in a cabinet reshuffle, after the president described it as an “independent and critical self-review.” He was replaced amid mounting frustration over the lack of progress in improving Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
The EFCC has signalled that this case is part of a broader push to hold former government officials accountable. With investigations ongoing into multiple ex-ministers, observers say the anti-graft agency appears emboldened—if still selective in its targets.
For ordinary Nigerians, however, the fundamental questions remain unanswered: Who benefited from the stolen funds? And why did it take so long to secure a conviction when the evidence was apparently overwhelming?
The 75-year sentence, while symbolically powerful, will mean little if Mamman remains at large and the recovered funds never reach the public coffers. Nigeria’s fight against corruption has a long way to go—but for now, this verdict stands as a rare victory for accountability.