By By Elizabeth Ugbo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday after granting an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court ordered the permanent forfeiture of one property. It also approved the interim forfeiture of four others pending claims from interested parties.
EFCC Seeks Recovery of Diverted Funds
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Abba Mohammed, argued that the court retained jurisdiction despite Mamman’s conviction and sentencing.
He relied on Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which allows courts to make restitution orders after conviction.
Mohammed told the court that the judgment established Mamman diverted N22 billion in public funds.
He added that the original charge alleged the diversion of N33.8 billion.
Furthermore, Mohammed said the EFCC had recovered less than N2 billion despite earlier forfeiture orders.
Court Rejects Jurisdiction Challenge
Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh (SAN), argued that the court had become functus officio after delivering judgment.
However, Justice Omotosho dismissed the objection.
The judge ruled that the court still had the authority to entertain the EFCC’s application.
Property Permanently Forfeited
Justice Omotosho ordered the permanent forfeiture of Walijam Apartments.
The property is located at No. 43, Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The judge held that the EFCC proved during the criminal trial that Mamman acquired the property with proceeds of unlawful activities.
Four Properties Receive Interim Forfeiture Orders
The court also granted interim forfeiture orders for four other properties.
They include:
- Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited 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.
- A.U.A Plaza at Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho explained that the EFCC did not sufficiently prove that Mamman owned or had legal interests in those four properties.
Court Orders Newspaper Publication
The judge directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days.
The publication will allow any interested person to appear before the court and show cause why the properties should not become permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Mamman Serving 75-Year Prison Sentence
Saleh Mamman is currently serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction on corruption charges.
Although the court found that he diverted N22 billion, the EFCC says it has recovered less than N2 billion so far.
The anti-graft agency continues efforts to trace and recover additional assets linked to the former minister.
