Following an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja mandating the start of his 75-year jail sentence, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday moved former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kuje, Abuja. After Mamman was brought before the court for his conviction and subsequent arrest for allegedly escaping Abuja, Justice James Omotosho ordered the anti-graft agency to turn the prisoner over to the prison authorities. The EFCC's subsequent application seeking the confiscation of five additional properties linked to the former minister was also considered by the court.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the Federation's Director of Public Prosecution and lead prosecutor, said the court had granted the application, dated May 25, 2026, requesting orders for the confiscation of the convict's associated properties.
Mamman's relative, Shamsudeen Mohammed, testified before the judge during the hearings that the former minister had taken a taxi from Abuja to Kaduna soon after his conviction and punishment. Mamman had been receiving traditional medical care while in hiding in Kaduna, Mohammed informed the court. He went on to say that he was unaware of the owner of the residence in Kaduna State's Rigasa neighborhood where Mamman was purportedly hiding. Justice Omotosho told Mamman that his prison term will start right now.
However, Mamman informed the court that his illness was the reason for his absence during previous proceedings. The judge then repeated the court's May 7 ruling, in which Mamman was found guilty on all of the EFCC's accusations.
Additionally, the anti-graft bureau asked that five more properties that were purportedly connected to the former minister be forfeited. The properties include two mansions on Misratah Street in Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna; A.U.A. Plaza on Kade Street in Wuse 2, Abuja; and Walijam Apartments on Lobito Crescent in Wuse 2, Abuja.
Femi Atteh, Mamman's attorney, was not present in court despite allegedly being warned of the forfeiture application. He was supposedly represented by a lawyer who refused to receive the court documents before departing the courtroom.
In response to questions from the bench, Mamman said that since his arrest on May 19, 2026, by EFCC agents, he had not talked with his attorney. In his decision regarding the forfeiture request, Justice Omotosho determined that an adjournment was required to guarantee the convict a fair trial.
The court postponed the hearing until June 8, 2026, and mandated that Mamman be physically served with the application so he may consult with any attorney of his choosing. Mamman was prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended 16-count indictment that involved purchasing properties valued at approximately N33.8 billion outside of the financial system and money laundering.
On May 7, 2026, Justice Omotosho found him guilty. On May 13, 2026, he was given a cumulative sentence of 75 years in jail.