A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to a cumulative prison term of about 70 years over a 12-count amended money laundering charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission involving N33 billion.

Delivering judgment on Wednesday, Justice James Omotosho ordered that the seven-year sentences imposed on several of the counts run consecutively, with no option of fine.

On one of the counts, the court sentenced the former minister to three years’ imprisonment with an option of a N10 million fine.

The judge also criticised the former minister for absconding from court ahead of his sentencing.

Justice Omotosho further directed national and international security agencies to arrest him if he is found.

The court also ordered the forfeiture of all foreign currencies recovered from the former minister’s residence by the EFCC, along with his property.