EFCC Moves Ex-Power Minister to Kuje Prison After 75-Year Sentence

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been transferred to the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja after a Federal High Court ordered the immediate commencement of his 75-year jail term over a multi-billion naira fraud case.

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The order was issued on Tuesday by James Omotosho after operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission presented the former minister before the court following his arrest in Kaduna.

The anti-graft agency disclosed that the court session also focused on fresh efforts to seize more assets allegedly connected to the convicted former minister. 

Prosecutors asked the court to approve the forfeiture of several high-value properties believed to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

According to the prosecution team led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, the application filed before the court sought the takeover of additional assets linked to Mamman.

Among the properties listed were luxury apartments and commercial buildings located in Abuja and Kaduna, including properties in Wuse 2 and Unguwan Rimi.

During the proceedings, a relative of the former minister, identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi shortly after the judgment was delivered.

“He was unwell and I assisted him with treatment using traditional medicine after he arrived in Kaduna,” Mohammed told the court.

He further stated that the apartment where Mamman reportedly stayed in Rigasa was rented and that he did not know the landlord.

Justice Omotosho, while addressing the convict, declared that the prison term had officially begun and stressed that the court had completed its constitutional responsibility in the matter.

“The sentence takes effect immediately from today,” the judge said, adding that Mamman was fully aware of the earlier judgment before leaving Abuja for Kaduna.

Mamman, however, explained that health complications were responsible for his absence during previous proceedings.

The court also noted the absence of Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, during the hearing on the forfeiture request. 

Another lawyer said to be representing the convict allegedly refused to accept court documents before leaving the courtroom abruptly.

Responding to questions from the bench, Mamman said he had not spoken with his lawyer since being arrested by EFCC operatives on May 19.

Although the prosecution pushed for immediate action on the properties, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court must allow the convict an opportunity to defend himself before any final forfeiture order is made.

“The court will grant an adjournment to ensure a fair hearing on the issue of additional assets,” the judge ruled.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 8, 2026, while the court ordered that Mamman be personally served to enable him to obtain legal representation of his choice.

Mamman had earlier been sentenced on May 13 after the court found him guilty of diverting public funds amounting to about N33.8 billion during his time in office.

The former minister was convicted in absentia after failing to appear for the conclusion of his trial, but he was later tracked down and arrested by EFCC operatives in Kaduna.