Court orders forfeiture of jailed ex-minister Saleh Mamman’s Abuja, Kaduna properties

A Nigerian court has ordered the permanent forfeiture of one property and the interim forfeiture of four others belonging to former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman. Mamman is currently serving a 75-year prison sentence for corruption.

The Federal High Court in Abuja issued the orders following applications by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC announced on its official X account that the judge ruled on Thursday. The property designated for permanent forfeiture is Walijam Apartments in Abuja. Four other properties, including Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State and several in Abuja, were placed under interim forfeiture.

These new orders add to a series of assets previously forfeited to the federal government. These follow Mamman's conviction on corruption and money laundering charges involving 33.8 billion naira. The court had sentenced him to 75 years in prison and ordered him to repay 22 billion naira. However, the EFCC noted a shortfall in recovered assets and funds, prompting the request for forfeiture of five additional properties.

Mamman's lawyer opposed the application, arguing the court had lost jurisdiction after its initial judgment. He also stated that his client had appealed both the conviction and sentence, suggesting any new forfeiture proceedings should be separate. The EFCC countered that the court retained jurisdiction as the properties were allegedly linked to the convicted offenses, and the application was part of efforts to recover outstanding proceeds of crime.

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The judge gave the forfeiture orders on Thursday.