Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has begun serving his 75-year prison sentence at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following his transfer by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The transfer came after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the commencement of the jail term during proceedings held on Tuesday.
According to the EFCC, the court session also involved a fresh application seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the anti-graft agency had filed an application dated May 25, 2026, requesting the confiscation of the properties.
A relative of the former minister, Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi shortly after his conviction because he was reportedly ill and receiving traditional treatment.
He also disclosed that he was unaware of the owner of the apartment in Rigasa, Kaduna, where the former minister had allegedly been staying before his arrest.
Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison sentence officially commenced from Tuesday, noting that he was present in Abuja when the judgment and sentencing were delivered before leaving for Kaduna afterward.
Mamman explained to the court that his absence from earlier proceedings was due to health challenges.
The judge also revisited parts of the earlier judgment delivered on May 7 while considering the EFCC’s request for the forfeiture of additional assets allegedly connected to the former minister.
Among the properties listed were Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State; two mansions on Misratah Street in Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza located on Kade Street, Wuse 2.
The court noted that Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, was absent despite reportedly being informed about the forfeiture application.
A lawyer said to be representing the former minister allegedly refused to accept the court documents and later exited the courtroom without notice.
Responding to questions from the court, Mamman said he had not spoken with his legal counsel since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19, 2026.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned proceedings on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow the convict secure legal representation and defend himself properly.
The court also ordered that Mamman be personally served with the relevant court documents.
Mamman was earlier sentenced to 75 years imprisonment after being convicted for the misappropriation of about N33.8 billion in public funds.
The judgment was delivered in absentia after he failed to appear in court for the conclusion of his trial before he was later apprehended in Kaduna by EFCC operatives.