EFCC transfers ex-Minister to Kuje prison for 75-year jail term

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following a court order for him to begin serving a 75-year prison term for money laundering.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja issued the directive on Tuesday after the EFCC presented him in court.

EFCC disclosed this in a statement posted on its X handle.

According to the anti-graft agency, the court also entertained a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.

Recall that Mamman was convicted on May 7, on all counts of an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving over ₦33.8 billion.

He was sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a total of 75 years imprisonment.

The case involved illicit acquisition of multi-million naira properties and diversion of funds linked to major power projects, including Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric initiatives.

The former minister fled Abuja for Kaduna State before EFCC operatives arrested him on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside a relative.

During proceedings, the court heard from one Shamsudeen Mohammed, identified as Mamman’s relative, who said the former minister travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after his conviction and sentencing.

“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.

Asked about the apartment where Mamman allegedly stayed in Kaduna, Mohammed said, “I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one.”

Concerning his transfer to the correctional centre, Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison time began immediately after the court proceedings.

“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You left alone in a taxi to Kaduna. 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 said.

Mamman told the court that he stayed away from proceedings because of ill health.

The EFCC is also seeking the forfeiture of five properties in Abuja and Kaduna allegedly linked to the convict.

“They are: Walijam Apartments, located at No.43, Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites NigeriaLimited, Located at No 5, Amana Crescent, New Estate Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion on No 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; a mansion on No 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja and A.U.A. Plaza, situated on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja,” the statement read.

Although Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), was said to have been informed about the forfeiture application, he was absent from court.

A lawyer said to be representing him allegedly declined to accept the application and left the courtroom.

Responding to the judge’s enquiry, Mamman said he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest by the EFCC on May 19, 2026.

Justice Omotosho adjourned hearing on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow the former minister respond to the application.

“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give adjournment for hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge said.

The court also directed that Mamman be served directly to enable him to engage a lawyer of his choice.