The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following his conviction and sentencing over a multi-count corruption case.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, ordered Mamman’s transfer to the correctional facility on Tuesday, marking the formal commencement of his custodial sentence.
Mamman was earlier found guilty on 12 counts filed by the EFCC and sentenced on May 7, 2026, to a total of 75 years in prison. The court imposed seven years each on 10 counts, while additional sentences of three years and two years were handed down on the remaining counts, with the terms ordered to run consecutively.
The judgment also included a fine option only on one count, while the remaining sentences carried no alternative penalty.
At the time of sentencing, Mamman was not present in court, prompting the judge to issue a warrant for his arrest. He was later arrested in Kaduna on May 19 and subsequently brought before the authorities.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court also addressed claims about his movements after the judgment. A relative, Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court that Mamman had been in Abuja around the time of sentencing before travelling to Kaduna by taxi, where he was later arrested. He also said he had been assisting the former minister with traditional medication due to illness.
Justice Omotosho stated that Mamman’s sentence takes effect immediately, stressing that the court had discharged its duty and that the custodial term begins from the day of proceedings.
“I have done my work. Today marks the commencement of your sentence,” the judge said.
The EFCC, through its counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, also applied for an order seeking final forfeiture of five properties allegedly linked to the former minister. The listed assets include Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites in Kaduna; and three high-value properties on Misratah Street and Kade Street in Abuja.
However, the forfeiture application could not proceed as Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, was absent in court. The judge consequently adjourned the matter to June 8, 2026, to ensure fair hearing.
EFCC officials also told the court that counsel who briefly appeared on behalf of the defence declined to accept the forfeiture documents before leaving the courtroom.
The case continues as authorities pursue both enforcement of the sentence and recovery of identified assets linked to the conviction.
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