Ex-power minister Mamman 75-year jail term begins in Kuje

Ex-power minister Mamman 75-year jail term has officially begun after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission moved former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja. The Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the immediate commencement of the prison sentence following his conviction over the misappropriation of public funds linked to a major corruption case.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, issued the order on Tuesday after EFCC operatives presented Mamman before the court. The anti-graft agency continues its investigation into alleged money laundering, public fund diversion, and illegal asset acquisition connected to the former minister.

In the Ex-power minister Mamman 75-year jail term case, the EFCC also asked the court to approve the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly tied to the former minister. EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the prosecution filed the application on May 25, 2026, as part of efforts to recover assets linked to the alleged N33.8bn fraud.

Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the anti-corruption agency sought legal approval to seize the properties connected to the former minister’s alleged financial crimes.

During the hearing, Shamsudeen Mohammed, who identified himself as Mamman’s relative, told the court that the former minister travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after his conviction. He explained that Mamman was receiving traditional medical treatment due to illness.

Mohammed also said he did not know the owner of the apartment where the former minister reportedly stayed in Rigasa, Kaduna State. He described the property as a rented apartment.

Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that the prison sentence took effect immediately. The judge noted that Mamman left Abuja after the judgment despite being aware of the court’s decision.

Mamman told the court that ill health prevented him from attending earlier proceedings in the corruption trial.

The court also revisited the EFCC’s application seeking the forfeiture of more assets allegedly connected to the former minister. The properties include Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State; mansions on Misratah Street, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza in Wuse 2.

Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, did not appear in court despite reports that the prosecution informed him about the forfeiture proceedings. Another lawyer allegedly refused to accept the court documents before leaving the courtroom.

Responding to the judge, Mamman said he had not communicated with his lawyer since EFCC operatives arrested him in Kaduna on May 19, 2026.

Justice Omotosho later adjourned the forfeiture hearing until June 8, 2026, to allow Mamman the opportunity to defend himself and hire a lawyer of his choice.

The court sentenced Mamman on May 13, 2026, to 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty of stealing about N33.8bn in public funds. The court delivered the judgment in absentia after the former minister failed to appear for the conclusion of the high-profile EFCC trial.

EFCC operatives later arrested him in Kaduna last week, leading to the commencement of the Ex-power minister Mamman 75-year jail term in Kuje prison.