ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja to begin serving his 75-year prison sentence over money laundering offences.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, ordered the remand on Tuesday after the EFCC presented the convicted former minister before the court.
The anti-graft agency disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X handle.
The court also entertained a fresh application by the EFCC seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
Mamman was convicted on May 7 on all counts in an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving more than N33.8 billion.
He was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a cumulative 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of funds tied to major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects.
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The former minister reportedly fled Abuja for Kaduna State shortly after his conviction before EFCC operatives arrested him on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside one of his relatives.
During proceedings on Tuesday, the court heard testimony from Shamsudeen Mohammed, identified as Mamman’s relative, who explained how the former minister travelled to Kaduna after the judgment.
“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.
Asked about the apartment where Mamman allegedly stayed in Kaduna, the witness said he did not know the owner because it was a rented apartment.
Justice Omotosho informed the former minister that his jail term officially commenced immediately after the court session.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment 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. I will read the judgment for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done,” he added.
Mamman told the court that ill health was responsible for his absence during earlier proceedings.
Meanwhile, the EFCC is seeking the forfeiture of five properties in Abuja and Kaduna allegedly connected to proceeds of the crime.
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The properties listed by the commission include Walijam Apartments on Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna; two mansions on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Although Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), was reportedly informed about the forfeiture application, he was absent from court.
A lawyer said to be representing him allegedly declined to receive the court documents before leaving the courtroom.
Responding to enquiries from the court, Mamman said he had not spoken with his lawyer since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19.
Justice Omotosho adjourned hearing on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow the former minister respond to the suit and secure legal representation.
The judge also directed that the court processes be served directly on Mamman to enable him engage a lawyer of his choice.