The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been ordered to transfer former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, where he will begin serving a 75-year prison term. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, issued the directive on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
Court Orders Forfeiture of Properties
Prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, announced that a Consequential Order dated May 25, 2026, was issued for the forfeiture of Mamman's properties. The EFCC disclosed this in a statement on its official X handle on Tuesday.
During the proceedings, Justice Omotosho learned from a witness, Shamsudeen Mohammed, that Mamman had been in Abuja after his conviction but fled to Kaduna State via taxi two days after sentencing. Mohammed stated, 'He is my relative. He was sick, and I was helping him with traditional medicine. He was brought by a taxi from Abuja to Kaduna.' Mohammed added that he did not know the owner of the apartment where Mamman hid in Rigasa, Kaduna.
Mamman Claims Ill Health
Mamman claimed he missed court proceedings due to ill health. Justice Omotosho reviewed his May 7 judgment in Mamman's case. The EFCC had earlier arrested Mamman for financial misappropriation, with Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirming the arrest occurred in Kaduna at 3:30 am. Investigations into the house where Mamman was detained are ongoing.
Public Reactions
Nigerians have reacted to the development. @AdeyemiVic63570 questioned whether recovered funds would be directed to power projects like Mambilla and Zungeru. @OluOlofin1 suggested that convicted looters should face public execution. @ogbuefilaw called it a lesson for those in power.
Background
Mamman served as Nigeria's Minister of Power from August 2019 to September 2021. He was convicted on 12 counts of corruption and now plans to run for Taraba State governor despite his 75-year prison sentence. The EFCC stated that Mamman had been shielded while on the run, and two other suspects were arrested for harboring him.
