The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following a court order directing him to commence a 75-year prison sentence for money laundering.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, issued the directive on Tuesday after the EFCC presented the convict in court for enforcement of the judgment.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, the anti-graft agency confirmed the development, adding that the court also heard a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
Mamman was convicted on May 7 on an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving over ₦33.8 billion. He was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a cumulative 75 years imprisonment.
The case centred on the alleged diversion of funds and acquisition of multi-million-naira properties tied to major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric schemes.
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The former minister was later arrested on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State after reportedly fleeing Abuja for Kaduna following his conviction. During proceedings, a relative, Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court that Mamman travelled by taxi from Abuja to Kaduna after the judgment and had been staying in a rented apartment, though he said he was unaware of the landlord’s identity. Justice Omotosho subsequently informed the convict that his sentence took immediate effect upon delivery of the court’s ruling.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You left alone in a taxi to Kaduna. I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence. I will read the judgment for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done,” he said.
Mamman told the court that he stayed away from proceedings because of ill health.
The EFCC is also seeking the forfeiture of five properties in Abuja and Kaduna allegedly linked to the convict.
“They are: Walijam Apartments, located at No.43, Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites NigeriaLimited, Located at No 5, Amana Crescent, New Estate Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion on No 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; a mansion on No 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja and A.U.A. Plaza, situated on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja,” the statement read.
Although Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), was said to have been informed about the forfeiture application, he was absent from court.
A lawyer said to be representing him allegedly declined to accept the application and left the courtroom.
Responding to the judge’s enquiry, Mamman said he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest by the EFCC on May 19, 2026.
Justice Omotosho adjourned hearing on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow the former minister respond to the application.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give adjournment for hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge said.
The court also directed that Mamman be served directly to enable him engage a lawyer of his choice.
