A former Nigerian power minister, Saleh Mamman, has received a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction for laundering 33.8 billion naira (approximately $24.7 million). This verdict marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against corruption, representing a rare successful prosecution of a high-ranking official in the West African nation. Mamman, who served as the minister of power between 2015 and 2021, was found guilty on multiple charges related to financial misconduct during his tenure.

Last week, the court found Mamman culpable on 12 counts, which included allegations of utilizing private companies to divert funds intended for government-funded power projects. The 68-year-old was sentenced in absentia on Wednesday, as authorities reported him to be “out of circulation” and “without trace” since his initial conviction. Consequently, a high court in the capital, Abuja, has issued an arrest warrant for the former minister to ensure his apprehension. The court also ordered Mamman to repay 22 billion naira (approximately $16 million) as part of his sentencing.

The conviction comes at a time when Mamman had recently announced his intention to run for the governorship of Taraba State in the 2027 elections under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party. This case is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign by Nigerian authorities targeting former government officials. Other prominent investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have involved figures such as former Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and former Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, both of whom have denied the allegations against them.

Mamman’s sentencing has reignited public frustration over Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, a critical issue that the former minister had pledged to address during his time in office. Despite being one of Africa’s largest energy producers, Nigeria continues to grapple with chronic power shortages and frequent blackouts, severely impacting homes and businesses nationwide. Millions of Nigerians currently rely on expensive fuel-powered generators for electricity, a burden exacerbated by rising fuel costs.