Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has commenced his 75-year prison sentence after being remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja following a directive of the Federal High Court.
The order was issued on Tuesday by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, after Mamman was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the court session also involved the filing of an additional application seeking the forfeiture of five more properties allegedly linked to the former minister. The application, dated May 25, 2026, was moved by prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.
During proceedings, a man identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, who claimed to be Mamman’s relative, told the court that the former minister had travelled to Kaduna shortly after his conviction, allegedly by taxi. He further stated that Mamman had been unwell and receiving traditional treatment, adding that he was unaware of the owner of the apartment where the ex-minister was said to be staying in Rigasa, Kaduna.
Justice Omotosho subsequently informed the convict that his sentence took immediate effect, stressing that the term began from the day of judgment. He noted that Mamman had been in Abuja at the time of conviction but later left for Kaduna.
Mamman, however, told the court that he was absent from earlier proceedings due to health challenges.
The judge also revisited aspects of the May 7 judgment while considering the EFCC’s fresh forfeiture request, which covered properties including luxury apartments and buildings in Abuja and Kaduna. Among them are Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Bloom Luxury Suites in Kaduna, and several high-value properties located on Misratah Street and Kade Street in Abuja.
Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, was absent from court despite being notified of the forfeiture hearing. Another lawyer who briefly appeared on his behalf reportedly declined to accept the filing and left the courtroom without engaging the prosecution or the court.
The defendant later informed the court that he had not been in contact with his legal representative since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19, 2026.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the forfeiture application would be adjourned to allow the convict adequate time to prepare his defence and engage legal representation. He ordered that Mamman be personally served to ensure fair hearing.
The matter was adjourned until June 8, 2026, for continuation of hearing on the forfeiture application.
Mamman had earlier been sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 75 years imprisonment for the theft of public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion. He was convicted in absentia after failing to appear for the conclusion of his trial but was later arrested by EFCC operatives in Kaduna.