The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre following a court order directing him to begin serving a 75-year prison sentence for money laundering.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, gave the directive on Tuesday after the EFCC presented the former minister before the court.
The anti-graft agency disclosed the development in a statement posted on its X handle, adding that the court also heard a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the convict.
Mamman was convicted on May 7 on all counts of an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving more than ₦33.8bn. He was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a cumulative 75-year prison term.
The case centred on the alleged diversion of funds tied to major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects, as well as the illicit acquisition of multi-million naira properties.
According to the EFCC, the former minister fled Abuja for Kaduna State before operatives arrested him on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside a relative.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, a relative of the convict, Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after his conviction and sentencing.
Mohammed said the former minister was ill and had been receiving traditional treatment while staying in a rented apartment in Kaduna.
Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison sentence commenced immediately after the court proceedings, noting that he had left Abuja for Kaduna after judgment had already been delivered.
Mamman, however, 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 former minister. The properties include Walijam Apartments on Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna; two mansions on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Although Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, was reportedly informed about the forfeiture application, he was absent from court. A lawyer said to be representing him allegedly declined to accept the application before leaving 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.
Justice Omotosho adjourned hearing on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow the former minister respond to the application and directed that he be served personally to enable him engage a lawyer of his choice.
