By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was transferred to Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja on Tuesday after Justice James Omotosho ordered the commencement of his prison sentence. The transfer followed court proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja after Mamman’s conviction on 12 counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court ruled that his sentence should begin immediately because he was in Abuja when judgment was delivered before later travelling to Kaduna.
Court Orders Immediate Commencement of Sentence
Justice Omotosho told Mamman during proceedings that the prison term had officially started.
According to the judge, Mamman was present in Abuja when judgment and sentencing took place before travelling alone by 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 judgement for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done,” the judge stated.
The court also clarified that no delay would apply to the execution of the sentence.
Conviction and Jail Terms
The Federal High Court earlier convicted Mamman on all 12 charges brought by the EFCC.
The former minister received:
- Seven years imprisonment each on 10 counts.
- Three years imprisonment on count four.
- Two years imprisonment on count five.
Justice Omotosho ordered that the sentences run consecutively.
However, count four carries an option of a ₦10 million fine.
The combined sentencing resulted in a total prison term of 75 years.
EFCC Reveals Circumstances of Arrest
The EFCC stated that Mamman failed to appear during the delivery of judgment, prompting the court to issue a warrant for his arrest.
On May 19, the commission announced his arrest in Kaduna State.
During resumed proceedings, Mamman’s relative, Shamsudeen Mohammed, testified that the former minister travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after the judgment.
Mohammed explained that Mamman was unwell and had been receiving traditional treatment.
“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 told the court.
Mohammed also stated that he did not know who owned the apartment in Kaduna’s Rigasa area where Mamman allegedly stayed.
Court Adjourns Asset Forfeiture Application
Meanwhile, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, requested an asset forfeiture order covering five additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman.
The listed properties include:
- Walijam Apartments, Wuse 2, Abuja
- Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited, Kaduna State
- Mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja
- Mansion at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja
- A.U.A. Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja
The EFCC informed the court that Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, was absent despite notification of the application.
When questioned, Mamman said he had not spoken with his lawyer since his arrest and detention.
To ensure fair hearing, Justice Omotosho adjourned the forfeiture application to June 8, 2026.
