Former Nigerian minister sentenced to 75 years in rare corruption verdict

Saleh Mamman, a erstwhile Nigerian powerfulness minister, has been sentenced to 75 years successful situation for laundering 33.8bn naira ($24.7m; £18.5m), a uncommon condemnation against corrupt officials successful the West ​African nation.

Last week, Mamman was recovered blameworthy of 12 counts, including utilizing backstage firms to funnel wealth linked to government-funded powerfulness plants.

The 68-year-old was sentenced successful absentia connected Wednesday - according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mamman has been "out of circulation" and "without trace" since his conviction.

On Monday, the precocious tribunal successful the superior Abuja issued an apprehension warrant for Mamman, who was powerfulness curate from 2015 to 2021.

Mamman, who led the ministry of powerfulness nether past President Muhammadu Buhari, has not publically commented connected his conviction.

However conscionable weeks earlier helium was sentenced, the erstwhile curate announced plans to tally for Taraba State politician successful the 2027 elections, connected behalf of Nigeria's ruling party.

"Today marks a defining infinitesimal successful my travel of work to our beloved state. With a heavy consciousness of work and unwavering commitment, I person officially obtained the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms nether the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contention for the governorship of Taraba State," helium wrote connected societal media.

Mamman led the ministry of powerfulness astatine a clip erstwhile President Muhammadu Buhari's medication had promised to tackle corruption.

Mamman was yet sacked by Buhari successful a furniture reshuffle, aft what the president called an "independent and captious self-review".

During Mamman's sentencing connected Wednesday, the precocious tribunal ordered him to repay 22bn naira ($16m; £12m).

The lawsuit is portion of a wider anti-corruption thrust targeting erstwhile authorities officials.

Other high-profile investigations by the EFCC person progressive erstwhile Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and erstwhile Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq, who was precocious declared wanted by the agency. They person some denied the allegations.

Mamman's condemnation has reignited nationalist choler implicit Nigeria's long-running energy situation – particularly arsenic the erstwhile curate had promised helium would amended matters.

Despite being 1 of Africa's largest vigor producers, Nigeria continues to look chronic powerfulness shortages, with predominant blackouts affecting homes and businesses crossed the country.

Many households and companies trust connected fuel-powered generators for electricity, portion rising substance prices person near millions struggling.