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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre to begin serving a 75-year jail term over a ₦33.8 billion money laundering fraud.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, ordered the commencement of the sentence after the anti-graft agency presented the former minister before the court on Tuesday.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You left alone in a taxi to Kaduna. I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence,” the judge told Mamman.
Justice Omotosho added, “I will read the judgment for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done.”
The EFCC, in a statement posted on its X handle, said the court also entertained an application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
Mamman had earlier been convicted on May 7 on all counts of an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering and was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a cumulative 75 years imprisonment.
The case involved alleged diversion of funds tied to major power projects, including the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Station and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, as well as the acquisition of high-value properties.
The former minister reportedly fled Abuja for Kaduna before he was arrested by EFCC operatives on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside a relative.
During proceedings, one Shamsudeen Mohammed told the court that Mamman travelled to Kaduna after his conviction because of health concerns.
“My name is Shamsudeen Mohammed. He is my relative. He was sick and I was helping him to take his traditional medicine. He was brought by a taxi from Abuja to Kaduna,” he said.
Asked about the apartment where the former minister stayed in Kaduna, Mohammed added, “I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one.”
Responding before the court, Mamman said he stayed away from proceedings because of ill health.
The EFCC is also pushing for the forfeiture of five properties allegedly linked to the convict, including Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in 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 proceedings, he was absent from court.
A lawyer said to be representing the former minister allegedly declined to accept the application and walked out of the courtroom.
When asked by the judge, Mamman said he had not spoken with his lawyer since his arrest by the EFCC on May 19.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give adjournment for hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
The matter was adjourned until June 8, 2026, while the court directed that Mamman be served directly to enable him engage a lawyer of his choice.