He sentenced the former minister to seven years’ imprisonment on each of counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, all without an option of fine.
He also imposed three years’ imprisonment on count four with an option of a N10 million fine, and two years’ imprisonment on count five without an option of fine.
The court held that Mamman’s absence during the judgment and sentencing proceedings was a deliberate 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 (SAN), that sentencing could proceed validly despite the defendant’s absence.
Justice Omotosho subsequently ordered all security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he is found and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to commence his sentence.
The court ruled that the jail term would begin from the date of his arrest.
The judge also ordered the final forfeiture of recovered funds, foreign currencies, and properties linked to the convict, including assets traced to him in Abuja.
He further directed Mamman to refund the outstanding balance from the N22bln the prosecution said was diverted from funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Mamman was initially arraigned in July 2024 on allegations bordering on conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8bln in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
Persecondnews recalls that Mamman served as the Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari between August 2019 to September 2021
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