The former minister of power, Saleh Mamman, has begun his 75-year prison sentence after fleeing to Kaduna State to allegedly evade justice.
Mamman began his prison term after he was transferred to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kuje, Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on court orders.
Mamman was transferred following an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja for the commencement of his 75-year prison sentence.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, gave the order on Tuesday after the convict was presented before the court by the EFCC.
During the hearings, the court heard from one Shamsudeen Mohammed, who identified himself as Mamman’s relative, that the former minister left Abuja for Kaduna State via taxi shortly after being convicted and sentenced.
“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 said.
Mohammed went on to say that he had no idea who owned the residence in Rigasa, Kaduna, where Mamman was allegedly hiding.
“I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one,” he said.
On May 13, 2026, Mamman was sentenced to 75 years in prison for stealing state funds totaling approximately N33.8 billion.
The convict was condemned in absentia because he failed to appear in court at the completion of his trial.
The former minister was, however, arrested by operatives of the EFCC in Kaduna last week.
However, Mamman informed the court that he stayed away from the proceedings because of ill health.
Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison term would commence immediately after the proceedings.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi for Kaduna. I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence,” the judge said.
The judge also examined portions of the May 7 judgment in the case before the court, taking into account the EFCC’s request for extra asset forfeiture.
The properties listed in the application are Walijam Apartments at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited at No. 5 Amana Crescent, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; mansions at Nos. 11 and 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza at Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Mamman’s attorney, Femi Atteh, was absent from court despite being reportedly advised about the forfeiture application by the prosecution.
A lawyer claiming to be representing him allegedly refused to accept the motion and then departed the courtroom without alerting the court or the prosecution team.
In response to the judge’s inquiry, Mamman stated that he had not spoken with his counsel since being arrested by the EFCC on May 19, 2026.
Justice Omotosho ruled on the forfeiture request, stating that an adjournment was required to give the convict a fair hearing.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give an adjournment for a hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge said.
The court ordered that Mamman be served personally so that he may retain his own counsel and adjourned the case until June 8, 2026, for a hearing on the forfeiture application.
