EFCC transfers ex-power minister Mamman to Kuje prison for 75-year jail term

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja to commence a 75-year prison sentence for money laundering, following a directive from the Federal High Court. Justice James Omotosho issued the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented the convict in court.

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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.

The EFCC disclosed that the court is also reviewing a consequential application for the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly connected to Mamman. The former minister was convicted on May 7 on all counts of an amended 16-count charge related to money laundering, involving over ₦33.8 billion. He was sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a total of 75 years imprisonment.

The case centers on the illicit acquisition of multi-million naira properties and the diversion of funds earmarked for significant power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric initiatives. Mamman had fled Abuja for Kaduna State before his arrest on May 19 in the Rigasa area, along with a relative.

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I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one.

During court proceedings, Mamman's relative, Shamsudeen Mohammed, stated that the former minister traveled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after his conviction and sentencing, citing illness. Mohammed also indicated he did not know the owner of the rented apartment where Mamman stayed in Kaduna. Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his sentence began immediately, emphasizing that his absence from proceedings was due to his own actions. The EFCC is pursuing the forfeiture of properties in Abuja and Kaduna, including Walijam Apartments, Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited, and several mansions and a plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja.

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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.