HURIWA Applauds EFCC, Justice Omotosho Over Saleh Mamman’s 75-Year Jail Sentence

By Odita Sunday

 

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed the conviction of former Power Minister, Saleh Mamman, describing the 75-year sentence handed down over a ₦33.8 billion fraud case as a landmark victory against corruption in Nigeria.

 

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Justice James Omotosho for what it termed a courageous and far-reaching judgment linked to fraud in major national power projects.

 

HURIWA said the ruling marked a major boost for accountability, the rule of law and the anti-corruption campaign in a sector long plagued by allegations of financial mismanagement and abandoned infrastructure projects.

 

The association praised the EFCC for what it described as professionalism, resilience and diligence during the investigation and prosecution of the case, noting that the commission presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits despite the high-profile nature of the matter.

 

According to the group, the conviction sends a clear signal that public office should not be treated as an avenue for personal enrichment but as a responsibility that demands transparency and integrity.

 

HURIWA also applauded Justice Omotosho for demonstrating what it called judicial courage and independence in handling a politically sensitive case, adding that the stiff custodial sentence and forfeiture orders reflected a renewed commitment by the judiciary to ensure that corruption attracts consequences regardless of status or influence.

 

The rights group further described the judgment as reassuring for Nigerians who have long questioned the ability of the justice system to hold powerful public officials accountable for economic crimes.

 

It urged anti-corruption agencies and the judiciary not to relent in sustaining the momentum, insisting that consistent enforcement of anti-graft laws remains the strongest deterrent against public sector corruption.

 

HURIWA added that Nigeria’s development and public confidence in governance would only improve when institutions such as the EFCC and the courts are empowered to operate independently and without interference.