By Ola Kay
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Wednesday convicted and sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to 75 years’ imprisonment over a ₦33.8 billion fraud involving the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, handed down the sentence after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Omotosho ordered that the separate prison terms imposed on each count should run consecutively, bringing the total sentence to 75 years.
The trial judge held that Mamman’s absence from court on the day of sentencing and on the previous adjourned date was a deliberate attempt to frustrate the administration of justice.
Omotosho agreed with EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, that under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the court had the power to proceed with sentencing in the absence of the defendant, adding that Mamman could not claim a miscarriage of justice.
About The Author
