EFCC transfers ex-minister Saleh Mamman to Kuje prison after conviction

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has moved former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following his recent conviction and sentencing.

His transfer was ordered on Tuesday by Justice James Omotosho of the federal high court in Abuja during court proceedings involving the enforcement of the judgment.

Conviction and sentencing

Mamman was earlier convicted on May 7 on all 12 counts filed against him by the EFCC. He was subsequently sentenced in absentia to a total of 75 years in prison.

The court handed him seven years each on 10 counts, while he received 3 years and 2 years on counts 4 and 5 respectively. The sentences are to run consecutively, with no option of fine, except on count 4, which carries a N10 million fine option.

Following his absence during sentencing, the judge had issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

Arrest and court update

The EFCC later confirmed on May 19 that Mamman had been arrested in Kaduna. During Tuesday’s proceedings, the commission presented details of his movements after the judgment.

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A relative of the former minister, Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court that Mamman was in Abuja around the time of his conviction and later travelled to Kaduna in a taxi two days after the ruling. He also stated that he was unaware of the owner of the apartment where Mamman was allegedly found in Rigasa, Kaduna.

Mohammed told the court that he had been assisting Mamman with traditional medicine due to his health condition and confirmed his movement from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi.

Judge’s remarks

Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his sentence began immediately after the court proceedings on Tuesday. He noted that the convict had been in Abuja at the time judgment and sentencing were delivered before relocating to Kaduna.

“The sentence starts to run from today,” the judge said, adding that the court had completed its duty and was only ensuring clarity on the commencement of the prison term.

Asset forfeiture application

During the session, EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo also requested an interim forfeiture order on five additional properties in Abuja allegedly linked to Mamman.

The listed properties include Walijam Apartments on Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna; and three properties located on Misratah Street and Kade Street in Wuse 2, Abuja.

However, Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, was absent in court despite being informed of the application. A lawyer who appeared on his behalf reportedly declined to take the motion and left the courtroom without notifying the court or prosecution.

Mamman told the court he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest and detention by the EFCC.

The judge subsequently adjourned the forfeiture application to June 8, 2026, to ensure fair hearing.