The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, following a court order for the commencement of his 75-year prison sentence.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, issued the directive on Tuesday after Mamman was presented before the court by EFCC operatives.
According to a statement by EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, the proceedings also included a fresh application by the anti-graft agency seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
The prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the application dated May 25, 2026, requested the forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government.
During the hearing, one Shamsudeen Mohammed, who identified himself as Mamman’s relative, told the court that the former minister travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi shortly after his conviction and sentencing.
“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.
Mohammed added that he did not know the owner of the apartment where Mamman allegedly stayed while in hiding in Rigasa, Kaduna State.
Justice Omotosho informed the former minister that his prison sentence would commence immediately.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi for Kaduna. I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence,” the judge stated.
Responding, Mamman told the court that he failed to appear during previous proceedings because of ill health.
The court also revisited aspects of the May 7 judgment while considering the EFCC’s request for the forfeiture of more assets allegedly linked to the convict.
The properties listed in the application include Walijam Apartments at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited located at No. 5 Amana Crescent, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; mansions at Nos. 11 and 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, was absent from the proceedings despite reportedly being informed of the forfeiture application.
A lawyer said to be representing him allegedly refused to accept the application and later exited the courtroom without notifying either the court or the prosecution.
When questioned by the judge, Mamman said he had not spoken with his lawyer since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19, 2026.
Ruling on the forfeiture application, Justice Omotosho said the matter would be adjourned to allow the convict an opportunity to defend himself.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give adjournment for hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge ruled.
The court ordered that Mamman be personally served to enable him to engage a lawyer of his choice and adjourned the case until June 8, 2026, for hearing on the forfeiture request.
Mamman was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 75 years imprisonment after being convicted of diverting about N33.8bn in public funds.
The sentence was delivered in absentia after he failed to appear in court for the conclusion of his trial. He was later arrested by EFCC operatives in Kaduna last week.
