Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja to begin serving a 75-year prison sentence after his conviction for money laundering involving more than ₦33.8 billion.
The transfer followed an order issued on Tuesday by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission disclosed the development in a statement posted on its official X handle.
According to the anti-graft agency, the court ordered that the former minister should immediately begin serving his jail term after he was presented before the court by EFCC operatives.
The court also heard an application by the EFCC seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
Mamman was earlier convicted on May 7 on all counts of an amended 16-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds.
The former minister was sentenced in absentia on May 13 to a combined prison term of 75 years after he failed to appear in court for judgment.
The case against him centred on alleged diversion of funds linked to major power projects under the Ministry of Power, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects.
The projects, which were designed to improve electricity generation in Nigeria, have over the years attracted huge government investments and international financing.
Investigators alleged that funds meant for the projects were diverted through illegal property acquisitions and other financial transactions.
According to the EFCC, Mamman acquired several high-value properties in Abuja and Kaduna using proceeds of the alleged fraud.
The anti-corruption agency said the former minister fled Abuja shortly after his conviction and relocated to Kaduna State before he was eventually arrested.
EFCC operatives arrested him on May 19 in the Rigasa area of Kaduna alongside one of his relatives.
During Tuesday’s court proceedings, one Shamsudeen Mohammed, identified as a relative of the former minister, told the court that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi after his conviction and sentencing.
“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.
When asked about the apartment where Mamman allegedly stayed while in Kaduna, the witness said he did not know the owner of the property.
“I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one,” he added.
Justice Omotosho informed the former minister that his prison sentence officially started immediately after Tuesday’s proceedings.
“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,” the judge said.
Mamman, however, told the court that he stayed away from proceedings because he was ill.
The court also considered an application by the EFCC seeking the final forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
The properties include Walijam Apartments located on Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited situated on Amana Crescent in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion on No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another mansion on No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza located on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
According to the EFCC, the properties were suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities linked to the fraud case.
The anti-graft agency has continued efforts to recover assets allegedly connected to corruption and financial crimes involving former public officials.
During proceedings, the court was informed that Mamman’s lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Atteh, had been notified about the forfeiture application but was absent from court.
A lawyer said to be representing him reportedly declined to receive the court documents and later left the courtroom.
When questioned by the judge, Mamman said he had not spoken with his lawyer since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned hearing on the forfeiture application until June 8, 2026, to allow the former minister respond properly to the application and engage legal representation if necessary.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give adjournment for hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge ruled.
The court also directed that all court processes relating to the forfeiture case should be served directly on Mamman to ensure he has adequate opportunity to defend himself.
The case has drawn public attention because of the large amount involved and the importance of the power projects connected to the allegations.
Nigeria’s electricity sector has remained one of the country’s major challenges despite billions of naira spent on generation, transmission and distribution projects over the years.
Many Nigerians continue to experience unstable electricity supply, while industries and businesses rely heavily on generators to operate.
The Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects were among major government initiatives expected to boost electricity generation and improve power supply nationwide.
The EFCC has in recent years intensified investigations and prosecutions involving former ministers, governors and senior government officials accused of corruption and abuse of office.
Anti-corruption campaigners say the conviction of high-profile public officials is important in strengthening accountability and public confidence in the justice system.
The transfer of the former minister to Kuje Correctional Centre marks a major development in one of the country’s most high-profile corruption cases involving a former cabinet member under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
As the forfeiture proceedings continue, attention is expected to remain on the case and the EFCC’s efforts to recover assets allegedly linked to the fraud.