By John Azu
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of one property and the interim forfeiture of three others linked to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is serving a prison sentence after his conviction for money laundering.
Mamman was convicted in May and sentenced over a 12-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bordering on money laundering and the diversion of funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects, valued at N33 billion.
Delivering judgment, Justice James Omotosho held that the EFCC had successfully established that one of the properties was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, making it liable to permanent forfeiture.
“The EFCC had successfully established that one of the properties was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, thereby warranting its permanent forfeiture to the Federal Government,” the judge ruled.
The court also granted interim forfeiture orders on four other properties, giving any interested persons the opportunity to challenge the forfeiture before a final determination is made.
The property permanently forfeited to the Federal Government is Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited, located at No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State.
The properties placed under interim forfeiture are:
- A mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja;
- Another mansion at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and
- A.U.A Plaza, situated at Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Mamman is currently serving a 75-year prison sentence at the Nigerian Correctional Service custodial centre in Kuje, Federal Capital Territory, following his conviction.