The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following a court order for him to begin serving a 75-year prison sentence over money laundering charges.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, issued the directive on Tuesday after Mamman was brought before the court by the EFCC.
In a statement posted on its X handle, the EFCC confirmed the development and also disclosed that the court heard a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to the former minister.
Conviction and Sentence
Mamman was convicted on May 7 on all 16 counts of an amended charge bordering on money laundering involving more than ₦33.8 billion.
He was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a total of 75 years imprisonment.
The case involved allegations of illicit acquisition of properties and diversion of funds linked to major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric schemes.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
The EFCC had declared that Mamman fled Abuja for Kaduna after his conviction before he was eventually arrested on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside a relative.
During proceedings, a witness identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, described as the former minister’s relative, told the court that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after the judgment.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the sentence took effect immediately after judgment, stressing that the former minister’s prison term had commenced.
Forfeiture of Properties Sought
The EFCC is also pursuing forfeiture of five properties allegedly linked to Mamman in Abuja and Kaduna.
They include luxury apartments, mansions in Wuse 2, Abuja, and a commercial property in the same district.
The anti-graft agency said the move forms part of efforts to recover assets linked to proceeds of crime.
Case Adjourned
The court adjourned hearing on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow Mamman respond to the case.
Justice Omotosho also directed that the former minister be properly served and allowed to engage legal representation of his choice.
