The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred Saleh Mamman, a former minister of power, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja to begin serving his 75-year prison sentence for money laundering.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, gave the directive on Tuesday after the EFCC presented the former minister before the court.
The anti-graft agency disclosed the development in a statement posted on its X handle.
According to the EFCC, the court also considered a consequential application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman.
The former minister was convicted on May 7 on all counts of an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering involving more than ₦33.8 billion.
He was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a total of 75 years imprisonment.
The case involved the alleged diversion of funds linked to major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects, as well as the illicit acquisition of multi-million naira properties.
Mamman reportedly fled Abuja for Kaduna State before EFCC operatives arrested him on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside one of his relatives.
During proceedings, a relative identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed told the court that 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 replied, “I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one.”
Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison sentence would commence immediately following 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,” the judge said.
Mamman told the court that he absented himself from proceedings because of ill health.
The EFCC is also seeking the forfeiture of five properties in Abuja and Kaduna allegedly linked to the former minister.
The properties listed by the commission include Walijam Apartments located at No. 43, Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited located at No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another mansion at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza situated on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Although Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), was reportedly informed about the forfeiture application, he was absent from court.
A lawyer said to be representing the former minister allegedly declined to accept the application before leaving the courtroom.
Responding to the judge’s enquiry, Mamman said he had not communicated 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 personally served with the application to enable him engage a lawyer of his choice.
