EFCC moves Saleh Mamman to Kuje prison to begin 75-year sentence

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kuje, Abuja, to begin serving his 75-year prison sentence.

 

The transfer followed an order by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday after EFCC operatives presented the former minister before the court.

 

In a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the anti-graft agency also disclosed that it filed a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman.

 

The prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the application, dated May 25, 2026, sought forfeiture of the listed assets.

 

During proceedings, a witness, Shamsudeen Mohammed, who identified himself as Mamman’s relative, told the court that the former minister travelled from Abuja to Kaduna after his conviction.

 

“My name is Shamsudeen Mohammed. He is my relative. He was sick, and I was helping him to take his traditional medicine. He was brought by a taxi from Abuja to Kaduna,” he said.

 

Mohammed added that he did not know the owner of the apartment in Rigasa, Kaduna State, where Mamman was reportedly staying.

 

“I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one,” he said.

 

Justice Omotosho informed the former minister that his prison term would begin immediately.

 

“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi for Kaduna. I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence,” the judge said.

 

Mamman told the court he missed earlier proceedings due to ill health.

 

The EFCC is also seeking forfeiture of additional assets allegedly connected to the former minister, including Walijam Apartments at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State; mansions located at Nos. 11 and 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

 

Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, was absent from court despite reportedly being notified of the forfeiture application.

 

Justice Omotosho adjourned the forfeiture matter until June 8, 2026, to allow the convict fair hearing and directed that Mamman be personally served to enable him engage legal representation.

 

Mamman was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 75 years imprisonment after being convicted over the diversion of about N33.8 billion in public funds.

 

He was convicted in absentia after failing to appear in court and was later arrested by EFCC operatives in Kaduna.