Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Begins 75-Year Jail Term in Kuje Prison

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja. This move follows a directive from the Federal High Court in Abuja, ordering the commencement of Mamman's 75-year prison sentence. The court's directive was given by Justice James Omotosho, who also heard an application from the EFCC seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to Mamman. According to the lead prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, the application was dated May 25, 2026, and sought orders for the forfeiture of properties linked to the convict. During the court proceedings, a relative of Mamman, Shamsudeen Mohammed, testified that the former minister had traveled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after his conviction and sentencing. Mohammed stated that Mamman was receiving traditional medical treatment while in hiding in Kaduna. Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison sentence would commence immediately, stating that 'the sentence starts to run from today.' The judge also recounted the court's May 7 judgment, in which Mamman was convicted on all counts brought against him by the EFCC. The EFCC had prosecuted Mamman on an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering and acquisition of properties worth billions of naira outside the financial system, involving over N33.8 billion. The court has adjourned the matter until June 8, 2026, to hear the forfeiture application, allowing Mamman to engage a counsel of his choice.