Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has begun serving his 75-year jail sentence after he was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following his dramatic arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The former minister was brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday where Justice James Omotosho ordered that his prison sentence should take immediate effect.
Mamman had earlier been convicted over the diversion of public funds amounting to about N33.8 billion while serving as minister under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The court proceedings also featured a fresh application by the EFCC seeking the forfeiture of more properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
According to the anti-graft agency, the application, dated May 25, 2026, was presented before the court by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo.
During the hearing, a man identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, who described himself as Mamman’s relative, told the court that the ex-minister left Abuja for Kaduna shortly after his conviction.
“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.
Mohammed also stated that he was unaware of the owner of the apartment where Mamman was reportedly staying in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State.
“I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one,” he added.
Justice Omotosho, while addressing the former minister in court, said the sentence would begin immediately.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi for Kaduna. I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence,” the judge said.
Mamman, however, explained to the court that he stayed away from proceedings because he was battling health challenges.
The judge also revisited aspects of the earlier judgment delivered in May while considering the EFCC’s request for the forfeiture of additional assets allegedly tied to the former minister.
The properties listed by the commission include Walijam Apartments located at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited situated at No. 5 Amana Crescent, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; mansions at Nos. 11 and 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; as well as A.U.A Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, was absent during the proceedings despite reportedly being informed about the forfeiture application.
A lawyer believed to be representing the former minister allegedly refused to accept court documents relating to the application before leaving the courtroom without notifying either the court or the prosecution team.
When questioned by the judge, Mamman told the court that he had not spoken with his counsel since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19, 2026.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Omotosho said the court would grant an adjournment to ensure the convict was given fair hearing concerning the forfeiture request.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give adjournment for hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge ruled.
The court subsequently ordered that Mamman be personally served with the relevant documents to allow him secure legal representation of his choice.
The matter was adjourned till June 8, 2026, for hearing on the forfeiture application.
