RismadarVoice Reporters
May 26, 2026
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to transfer former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre to commence his 75-year prison sentence.
Justice James Omotosho gave the order after Mamman was brought before the court by the EFCC for further proceedings, including an application for the forfeiture of additional assets linked to the convicted former minister.
The court noted that Mamman’s prison term commenced immediately following his conviction and sentencing, referencing the earlier judgment delivered on May 7, 2026, and sentencing handed down on May 13, 2026.
During proceedings, the court heard from a relative of the convict, identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, who confirmed that Mamman had been in Kaduna after allegedly travelling from Abuja by taxi shortly after judgment was delivered. He, however, said he was unaware of the ownership of the apartment where Mamman had been staying.
Mamman, in his own defence, told the court that he had been absent from earlier proceedings due to ill health.
Justice Omotosho reiterated that the sentence began to run from the day of judgment and ordered that the EFCC hand the convict over to the Nigerian Correctional Service for custody at Kuje prison.
The EFCC also filed a consequential order seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman, including high-value real estate in Abuja and Kaduna.
The properties listed include luxury apartments and mansions in Wuse 2 and other prime areas of Abuja, as well as a facility in Kaduna State.
However, the forfeiture proceedings could not proceed as scheduled due to the absence of Mamman’s lead counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, and the refusal of a representative to accept court documents on his behalf.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the forfeiture hearing to June 8, 2026, directing that Mamman be properly served to ensure adequate legal representation.
The court also recalled that Mamman was convicted on 16 counts of money laundering involving over N33.8 billion, and was sentenced after being found guilty of multiple financial offences.
Following his conviction and subsequent arrest by EFCC operatives in Kaduna on May 19, 2026, the former minister was brought back to Abuja for further judicial proceedings.
