The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has moved former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following his conviction and sentencing.
James Omotosho, judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, ordered Mamman’s transfer to the correctional facility during proceedings on Tuesday.
Mamman was earlier found guilty on 12 counts filed by the EFCC and sentenced in absentia on May 7 to a total of 75 years in prison.
He received seven years each on 10 counts, three years on another, and two years on a separate count, with sentences set to run consecutively. Only count four carried an option of a N10 million fine.
Following his absence in court at the time of sentencing, the court issued a warrant for his arrest. The EFCC later confirmed on May 19 that he had been apprehended in Kaduna.
During proceedings, Shamsudeen Mohammed, said to be a relative of the former minister, told the court that Mamman had been in Abuja around the time of the judgment before fleeing to Kaduna.
“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 said.
The judge addressed Mamman directly, stating that his sentence began immediately after the ruling.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgement was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi to Kaduna,” he said.
“I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence. I will read the judgement for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done.”
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EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, also requested an order for the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to Mamman across Abuja and Kaduna.
The listed properties include Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Bloom Luxury Suites in Kaduna, and several mansions on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, as well as A.U.A. Plaza in Wuse 2.
The commission said Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, was absent during the hearing, while another lawyer who appeared declined to accept court documents and left without notifying the court.
Mamman told the court he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest and detention.
The judge adjourned the forfeiture application to June 8, 2026, to ensure fair hearing for all parties involved.