The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, following a directive issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama.
The order was delivered on Tuesday after Mamman was presented before the court by the EFCC for the commencement of his 75-year prison sentence. 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 of power.
Counsel to the prosecution and Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the application, dated May 25, 2026, requested approval for the forfeiture of the identified assets. The court was also told that Mamman had allegedly fled Abuja to Kaduna State shortly after his conviction and sentencing.
A relative identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed told the court that Mamman had been receiving traditional medical treatment during the period he was absent from proceedings. He stated that the former minister travelled to Kaduna by taxi and stayed in a rented apartment in Rigasa, though he claimed not to know the owner of the property.
Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison term officially commenced immediately after Tuesday’s proceedings. The judge noted that the former minister was present in Abuja when judgment was delivered but later travelled to Kaduna on his own. Mamman, however, maintained that his absence from court was due to health challenges.
The EFCC further requested the forfeiture of five Abuja properties allegedly connected to Mamman, including Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna, two mansions on Misratah Street in Abuja, and A.U.A. Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2. Although Mamman’s lead counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, was reportedly informed about the forfeiture proceedings, he did not appear in court.
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling adjourned the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, stating that the convict must be given an opportunity to defend himself in line with fair hearing principles. The judge also directed that Mamman be personally served with court documents to enable him secure legal representation of his choice.
