Former Nigerian Power Minister Receives 75-Year Prison Sentence for Corruption
Abuja, 14 May 2026
Saleh Mamman, Nigeria’s former power minister, was sentenced to 75 years imprisonment for laundering £18.5 million through fraudulent schemes involving government-funded power plants. The 68-year-old, who served under President Buhari from 2015-2021, was convicted in absentia after disappearing following his guilty verdict on 12 corruption charges. Remarkably, just weeks before sentencing, Mamman announced his candidacy for state governor in 2027 elections, highlighting the audacity of corrupt officials in Nigeria’s political system.
A Landmark Conviction in Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Drive
The sentencing of Saleh Mamman represents a rare judicial victory in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption within government ranks [1]. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) successfully prosecuted the former minister for laundering 33.8 billion naira (£18.5 million), with the court finding him guilty of using private firms to funnel money linked to government-funded power plants [1]. The 75-year sentence handed down on Wednesday, 8 May 2026, marks one of the most severe penalties imposed on a high-ranking government official in recent Nigerian legal history [1]. Mamman’s case forms part of a wider anti-corruption drive targeting former government officials, with other high-profile investigations involving former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, who was recently declared wanted by the EFCC [1].
The Disappearing Act and Political Ambitions
In an extraordinary turn of events, Mamman has been ‘out of circulation’ and ‘without trace’ since his conviction last week, according to the EFCC [1]. The 68-year-old was sentenced in absentia, prompting the high court in Abuja to issue an arrest warrant on Monday, 11 May 2026 [1]. Perhaps most remarkably, just weeks before his sentencing, Mamman announced his intention to contest for the governorship of Taraba State in the 2027 elections under Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) [1]. Writing on social media, 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 under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for the governorship of Taraba State’ [1]. This audacious political announcement, made whilst facing serious corruption charges, underscores the brazen nature of some Nigerian politicians who continue to seek public office despite legal troubles [GPT].
Financial Penalties and Systemic Corruption
Beyond the lengthy prison sentence, the court ordered Mamman to repay 22 billion naira (£12 million) to the Nigerian government [1]. This financial restitution represents approximately 65.089 per cent of the total amount he was found guilty of laundering [1]. Mamman served as power minister from 2015 to 2021 under President Muhammadu Buhari, ironically during an administration that had promised to tackle corruption [1]. His tenure ended when Buhari dismissed him in a cabinet reshuffle, following what the president termed an ‘independent and critical self-review’ [1]. The timing of this dismissal suggests mounting concerns about Mamman’s performance and conduct well before formal charges were brought against him [GPT].
Impact on Nigeria’s Persistent Power Crisis
Mamman’s conviction has reignited public anger over Nigeria’s chronic electricity crisis, particularly given his promises to improve the country’s power infrastructure during his ministerial tenure [1]. Despite Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s largest energy producers, the nation continues to grapple with severe power shortages and frequent blackouts that affect homes and businesses nationwide [1]. The irony that funds meant for power plant development were allegedly diverted for personal gain whilst millions of Nigerians suffer from unreliable electricity supply has not been lost on the public [GPT]. Many households and companies remain dependent on fuel-powered generators for electricity, with rising fuel prices leaving millions struggling financially [1]. The case highlights the devastating real-world consequences of corruption in critical infrastructure sectors, where stolen funds translate directly into continued hardship for ordinary citizens who rely on basic services [GPT].