Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered the transfer of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kuje, Abuja, for the commencement of his 75-year prison sentence.
The order followed Mamman’s appearance before the court after he was presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as well as the filing of a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of additional properties allegedly linked to the convicted former minister.
Counsel to the prosecution and Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the application dated May 25, 2026 sought an order for the forfeiture of five newly discovered properties traced to Mamman.
During proceedings, the court heard testimony from one Shamsudeen Mohammed, who identified himself as a relative of the former minister. He disclosed that Mamman had remained in Abuja after his conviction before later travelling to Kaduna by taxi two days after sentencing.
According to him, the former minister had been receiving traditional medical treatment due to ill health.
“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 told the court.
He, however, said he did not know the owner of the apartment where Mamman was allegedly hiding in Rigasa, Kaduna, adding that it was a rented property.
Justice Omotosho informed the former minister that his prison sentence would commence immediately following the proceedings.
“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 to Kaduna,” the judge said.
“I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence.”
Mamman told the court that his absence from earlier proceedings was due to health challenges.
The judge subsequently revisited portions of the judgment delivered on May 7 before hearing the EFCC’s application for the forfeiture of additional assets allegedly connected to the former minister.
The properties listed by the anti-graft agency include Walijam Apartments located at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; two mansions on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Mamman’s lead counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, was absent during the proceedings despite reportedly being notified of the forfeiture application. A legal representative sent on his behalf allegedly declined to accept the application and later exited the courtroom without formally informing the court.
Responding to questions from the judge, Mamman stated that he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest and detention by the EFCC on May 19, 2026.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho held that an adjournment was necessary to ensure fair hearing on the forfeiture application.
“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 directed that Mamman be personally served with the application to allow him engage counsel of his choice and adjourned the matter until June 8, 2026, for hearing on the forfeiture request.
