️ Saleh Mamman, Nigeria's former power minister, has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for laundering 33.8 billion naira ($24.7 million), a rare conviction of a corrupt official in the West African nation.

️ Last week, Mamman was found guilty on 12 counts, including using private firms to funnel money linked to government-funded power plants. The 68-year-old was sentenced in absentia on Wednesday, as he has been "out of circulation" and "without trace" since his conviction.

️ On Monday, the high court in the capital Abuja issued an arrest warrant for Mamman, who served as power minister from 2015 to 2021 under then-President Muhammadu Buhari. He has not publicly commented on his conviction.

️ Just weeks before sentencing, Mamman announced plans to run for Taraba State governor in the 2027 elections on behalf of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He was sacked by Buhari in a cabinet reshuffle in 2021.

️ The court also ordered Mamman to repay 22 billion naira ($16 million). The case is part of a wider anti-corruption drive targeting former government officials, including ex-Justice Minister Abubakar Malami and ex-Humanitarian Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq.

️ Mamman's conviction has reignited public anger over Nigeria's chronic electricity crisis. Despite being one of Africa's largest energy producers, the country suffers frequent blackouts, forcing reliance on expensive fuel-powered generators.

Source: www.bbc.com