Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years in prison in absentia over a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The court convicted Mamman on all 12 counts brought against him, ruling that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice Omotosho ordered that the prison terms run consecutively, resulting in a combined sentence of 75 years.

The former minister received seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts without the option of fine, three years imprisonment on one count with an option of a N10 million fine, and two years imprisonment on another count without an option of fine.

The judge held that Mamman deliberately absented himself from court in an attempt to frustrate the administration of justice.

Relying on provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, the court agreed with EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, that sentencing could proceed despite the defendant’s absence.

Justice Omotosho subsequently directed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving his sentence.

The court ruled that the prison term would commence from the date of his arrest and also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies and properties linked to the former minister, including assets traced to him in Abuja.

The judge further directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the N22 billion allegedly diverted from funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

Saleh Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arraigned in July 2024 on charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.