The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has moved Saleh Mamman, former minister of power, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following his recent conviction.
James Omotosho, judge of the federal high court in Abuja, ordered Mamman’s remand at the correctional facility on Tuesday.
Mamman was convicted on May 7 on all 12 counts filed against him by the EFCC and was later sentenced in absentia to 75 years imprisonment.
The former minister received seven-year jail terms on 10 counts, while counts four and five attracted three years and two years imprisonment respectively.
The court ruled that the sentences would run consecutively without the option of a fine, except for count four, which carried a N10 million fine option.
Following his absence during sentencing, the court had earlier issued a warrant for his arrest.
On May 19, the EFCC confirmed that Mamman was arrested in Kaduna.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Shamsudeen Mohammed, a relative of the ex-minister, told the court that Mamman was in Abuja during his conviction and sentencing before travelling to Kaduna by taxi two days later.
“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,” Mohammed said.
He added that he did not know the owner of the apartment in Rigasa, Kaduna, where Mamman was reportedly hiding.
While addressing the former minister, the judge said the prison sentence took effect immediately after Tuesday’s proceedings.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgement was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi to Kaduna,” the judge said.
“I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence. I will read the judgement for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done.”
During the hearing, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC, also requested an asset forfeiture order on five additional properties in Abuja allegedly linked to Mamman.
The properties include Walijam Apartments on Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna; two mansions on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
The anti-graft agency told the court that Femi Atteh, Mamman’s lawyer, was absent despite being informed about the forfeiture application.
According to the EFCC, another lawyer who appeared on behalf of Atteh refused to accept the application and left the courtroom without informing the court or prosecution team.
Responding to the judge’s enquiry about his counsel’s absence, Mamman said he had not communicated with his lawyer since his arrest and detention on May 19.
The judge adjourned the forfeiture hearing to June 8, 2026, in the interest of fair hearing.