Court Orders Transfer of Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman to Kuje Prison to Begin 75-Year Sentence

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the transfer of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre to begin serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction for corruption-related offences.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on Tuesday during proceedings at the Federal High Court, Maitama, after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented the former minister before the court and sought enforcement of the sentencing order.

The court also directed the EFCC to hand Mamman over to the Nigeria Correctional Service in Kuje, Abuja, marking the commencement of his sentence.

During the proceedings, the judge noted that Mamman had been in Abuja around the time of his conviction before allegedly fleeing to Kaduna State shortly after the judgment. A relative of the convict told the court he was taken from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi, adding that he was unaware of the ownership of the apartment where Mamman had reportedly been staying.

Justice Omotosho reminded the convict that his sentence took effect immediately after judgment was delivered, stressing that the court had fulfilled its duty in the case.

Following the ruling, the EFCC also filed a consequential order seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to Mamman, including luxury apartments and mansions located in Abuja and Kaduna State.

However, defence counsel for the former minister, Femi Atteh, SAN, was absent from court, while a representative reportedly sent in his place declined to accept the forfeiture documents and left without formal engagement.

Mamman, according to court records, told the judge he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest on May 19, 2026.

Justice Omotosho, however, granted an adjournment on the forfeiture application to allow for fair hearing, stating that Mamman must be properly served to enable him to respond and engage legal representation of his choice.

The matter was adjourned until June 8, 2026, for hearing on the forfeiture application.