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BREAKING: Nigerian Powerful ex-Minister Sentenced To 75 Years In Prison
The Federal High Court in Abuja has handed down a heavy sentence to the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, marking a major turning point in Nigeria’s fight against high-level corruption. Nigerian Culture Guides
In a landmark ruling delivered on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the court sentenced the former minister to a total of 75 years in prison.
This decision follows his conviction on several counts of money laundering and the diversion of public funds that were originally meant for critical national energy projects.
Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, delivered the verdict after finding Mamman guilty on all 12 counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond any reasonable doubt, demonstrating how the former minister participated in the “indirect conversion” of approximately N33.8 billion.
These funds were specifically earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects, which are essential to stabilizing Nigeria’s power grid.
During the proceedings, the court highlighted the severity of the betrayal of public trust. Justice Omotosho noted that while the country continued to struggle with persistent blackouts and an “epileptic power supply,” the former minister was busy “living large at the expense of ordinary citizens.”
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Mamman had used Bureau De Change operators to siphon money and had even made a massive cash payment of $655,700 for a luxury property in Abuja, bypassing all financial institutions.
The sentencing today followed a dramatic turn of events last week when the former minister failed to appear for the initial judgment. His legal team had claimed he was too ill to attend, but the court dismissed these excuses as a delay tactic, especially after reports surfaced of his recent involvement in political activities in Taraba State. Consequently, Justice Omotosho issued a warrant for his arrest, leading to his appearance for the final sentencing today.
Saleh Mamman served as the Minister of Power under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 until he was relieved of his duties during a cabinet reshuffle in 2021.
His conviction and subsequent 75-year jail term—which the court clarified would run concurrently for the various counts—serves as one of the most significant judicial outcomes involving a former cabinet member in recent history.
The Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached far-reaching resolutions at the conciliation meetings convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The meetings, held on 22nd and 27th October, 2026 at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja, were sequel to the communique issued at the end of the Joint meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC.
The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, CON, with representatives of the Federal Government in attendance, while the NLC delegation was led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
After extensive deliberations on the issues raised, the meeting resolved as follows:
1. National Minimum Wage: It was agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meeting immediately. However, there is a disagreement on the effective date of implementation.
2. Reduction in Petroleum Pump Price and Palliatives:
i. Federal Government will pay a transport intervention of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000) across all levels for a period of six (6) months, commencing from November 2026.
ii. Peculiar Allowance has been approved by the Federal Government with effect from 1st May, 2026. Payment of arrears will commence in November 2026 in three equal monthly instalments.
iii. Nineteen (19) months arrears of allowances for health workers will be redeemed within three (3) months with effect from December 2026.
3. Tax Relief for Workers: As tax is a statutory matter, the issue of tax relief for workers will be taken to the National Executive Council (NEC).
4. Hazard Allowance for Agricultural Workers: The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and cost implications to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for verification. Verification is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the template for implementation will be issued by NSIWC.
5. CONHESS Adjustment: The NSIWC promised to complete the update of the cost implication within three (3) weeks to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to take a decision on the CONHESS adjustment.
The meeting also urged State and Local Governments to key into the intervention process, while unions were enjoined to push for its implementation at their respective levels.
Both parties agreed to reconvene after one month to appraise the level of implementation of the resolutions.
The meeting had in attendance the DG Budget, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu; Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, OHCSF, Dr. Garba Abdul S.U.; Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, CON; NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero; and National Secretary, JNPSNC, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga.
The National Assembly received a comprehensive list of proposed new local government areas (LGAs) across several states in Nigeria as of January, 2026.
The submission was reported to have included requests from multiple states, reflecting demands for administrative expansion and closer governance.
Nigerian federal workers are awaiting their salary payments following a social media post claiming that state government workers have received their salaries, with federal workers expected to be paid from Monday.
The update was shared by Naija Updates in the IPPIS Salary Discussion Group on Facebook, where the post announced that state workers had been paid and urged federal workers to anticipate their own payments.
The post generated engagement among Facebook users, attracting reactions and comments from members of the group interested in salary updates and workers’ welfare.
However, the claim that state workers have been paid and that federal salary payments will begin on Monday has not been independently confirmed. The post did not identify the specific states whose workers had received their salaries or provide an official statement from the Federal Government.
Federal workers are therefore advised to rely on official communications from their respective ministries, departments and agencies, as well as relevant government payroll authorities, for accurate information regarding salary disbursements.
The development comes amid continued public interest in salary payment schedules and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
MinimumWage: FG, NLC Reach Agreement At Conciliation Meeting, Details Emerge
Full List Of Proposed New Local Government Areas Submitted To National Assembly In 2026
