Former Nigerian power minister Saleh Mamman has been sentenced to 75 years in prison over corruption charges. Photo credit: BBC.

A 68-year-old former Nigerian power minister has been sentenced to 75 years in prison for laundering $24.7m, in a rare conviction against corrupt officials in the West African nation, the BBC has reported.

Last week, Saleh Mamman was found guilty on 12 counts, including using private firms to funnel money linked to government-funded power plants.

He was sentenced in absentia on Wednesday after reportedly disappearing following his conviction.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mamman has been “out of circulation” and “without trace” since the court ruling.

On Monday, a high court in the capital Abuja issued a warrant for his arrest.

Mamman served as power minister from 2015 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

He has not publicly commented on his conviction.

However, weeks before his sentencing, the former minister announced plans to contest for governor of Taraba State in the 2027 elections under Nigeria’s ruling party.