EFCC Transfers Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman to Kuje Prison as 75-Year Jail Term Begins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, following a Federal High Court order directing the commencement of his 75-year prison sentence.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, issued the directive on Tuesday after Mamman was brought before the court by EFCC operatives.

According to a statement by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the proceedings also featured a fresh application by the anti-graft agency seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.

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

During the hearing, a relative of the former minister, Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi shortly after his conviction and sentencing because he was unwell and undergoing traditional treatment.

Mohammed also stated that he was unaware of the owner of the rented apartment in Rigasa, Kaduna, where Mamman was reportedly hiding before his arrest.

Justice Omotosho told the former minister that his prison sentence would begin immediately, noting that Mamman was present in Abuja when judgment and sentencing were delivered before leaving for Kaduna alone.

Mamman, however, told the court that he stayed away from proceedings due to health challenges.

The court also revisited aspects of its May 7 judgment while considering the EFCC’s application for the forfeiture of more properties allegedly connected to the convict.

The properties listed include Walijam Apartments at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, 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 counsel, Femi Atteh, was absent from court despite reportedly being notified about the forfeiture proceedings.

A lawyer said to be representing the convict allegedly refused to accept the court documents before leaving the courtroom without informing either the court or the prosecution team.

Responding to enquiries from the judge, Mamman said he had not spoken with his lawyer since his arrest by EFCC operatives in Kaduna on May 19, 2026.

Ruling on the forfeiture request, Justice Omotosho held that the matter would be adjourned to allow the convict fair hearing and an opportunity to engage legal representation.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until June 8, 2026, for hearing on the forfeiture application.

Mamman was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 75 years imprisonment after being convicted of diverting public funds amounting to about N33.8bn.

He was sentenced in absentia after failing to appear in court for the conclusion of his trial before he was eventually arrested by EFCC operatives in Kaduna last week.