RismadarVoice Reporters, May 27, 2026
Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has commenced his 75-year prison sentence following his transfer to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, in compliance with an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented Mamman before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, where the court directed that the sentence take immediate effect.
During the proceedings, the anti-graft agency also filed a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
According to the EFCC, the application dated May 25, 2026, requested the court to order the forfeiture of the properties as part of ongoing legal actions connected to the case.
During the hearing, a witness identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, who described himself as Mamman’s relative, told the court that the former minister travelled to Kaduna shortly after his conviction due to health concerns.
Mohammed stated that Mamman had reportedly left Abuja by taxi and was receiving traditional medical treatment in Kaduna.
Justice Omotosho informed the former minister that his prison term would begin immediately following the court session.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed and when the sentence was delivered. I have done my work and only need to inform you that today marks the commencement of your sentence,” the judge said.
Mamman explained to the court that his absence from previous proceedings was due to health challenges.
The court also considered the EFCC’s request for the forfeiture of additional assets, which reportedly include residential and commercial properties in Abuja and Kaduna.
However, Justice Omotosho ruled that the matter would be adjourned to allow the convict an opportunity to respond and ensure fair hearing procedures were followed.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give an adjournment for hearing to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge ruled.
The matter was adjourned until June 8, 2026, for further hearing on the forfeiture application.
Mamman had earlier been sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 75 years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of offences involving the diversion of approximately ₦33.8 billion in public funds. He was initially sentenced in absentia after failing to appear in court before he was later arrested by EFCC operatives in Kaduna.
