Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Appeals 75-Year Jail Term Over ₦33.8bn Fraud
Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has appealed his conviction and 75-year prison sentence over an alleged ₦33.8 billion fraud linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman, through his legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Atteh, is asking the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, to set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court and discharge and acquit him.
The notice of appeal, dated May 26, 2026, contains 18 grounds challenging the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho.
Fair Hearing at Centre of Appeal
A major ground of the appeal is the allegation that Mamman's constitutional right to a fair hearing was breached when judgment was delivered in his absence on May 7, 2026.
His lawyers contend that the case had previously been adjourned to June 9 for judgment, but that the date was subsequently brought forward without proper notice being served on the former minister.
The defence argues that Mamman did not waive his right to be present and that the circumstances surrounding the accelerated judgment violated provisions of the 1999 Constitution and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Witness Testimony Challenged
The former minister is also challenging the trial court's treatment of witness testimony.
His lawyers allege that the trial judge prevented a subpoenaed defence witness, Abdulkareem Ozi Ibrahim, from giving evidence, while subsequently permitting the prosecution to reopen its examination-in-chief of the same witness after the prosecution had closed its case.
The appeal further challenges the reliance placed on what the defence describes as uncorroborated accomplice evidence.
Mamman also argues that the trial court failed to properly evaluate documentary evidence and relied on hearsay and what his lawyers characterize as speculative conclusions.
Challenge to Financial Findings
Another major issue raised in the appeal concerns the handling of funds connected to the Zungeru and Mambilla projects.
The defence argues that the relevant project funds were domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria and controlled by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, contending that Mamman was neither an approving authority nor a signatory to the accounts.
The former minister is also challenging the trial court's finding concerning funds allegedly used to acquire a property at Lungi Street, Wuse II, Abuja, arguing that the court improperly shifted the burden of proof onto him.
His lawyers further dispute the admissibility and treatment of his extra-judicial statements, alleging non-compliance with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act relating to the recording of statements.
What the Trial Court Decided
Mamman was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 7 and subsequently sentenced to a total of 75 years in prison after being found guilty on 12 counts relating to conspiracy and money laundering.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had accused him of diverting funds associated with the two major hydroelectric projects.
The prosecution called 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial. Justice Omotosho ultimately held that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The court imposed seven-year sentences on most of the counts, with the terms ordered to run consecutively. Mamman was convicted and sentenced in absentia, with the court directing security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest him and commence the sentence from the date of his arrest.
Appeal Now Before Appellate Court
The appeal places the disputed trial proceedings and the legal basis of the conviction before the Court of Appeal.
The appellate court will determine whether the grounds raised by Mamman's legal team warrant interference with the judgment of the Federal High Court.
Meanwhile, a separate EFCC application seeking the permanent forfeiture of properties allegedly linked to Mamman was recently withdrawn and struck out by the Federal High Court following the appeal against the conviction.
The Analyst Online Media will continue to monitor proceedings at the appellate court as the legal battle over the conviction unfolds.