Former Minister Sentenced to 75 Years for Corruption
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in custody at the Nigeria Correctional Center in Kuje, Abuja. This move follows a Federal High Court ruling mandating Mamman’s 75-year prison sentence for financial misconduct.
Judge James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama issued the sentencing order on Tuesday after the EFCC presented Mamman before the court. The proceedings marked a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the former minister’s alleged financial malfeasance.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the trial included a request for the forfeiture of five additional properties believed to be connected to Mamman. The application, submitted by the EFCC’s Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo, seeks to confiscate assets awarded to Mamman as part of the ongoing investigation.
During the trial, a witness identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed claimed to be a relative of Mamman, revealing that the former minister fled Abuja to Kaduna state immediately following his conviction. Mohammed further stated, “I was helping him with traditional medicine,” emphasizing Mamman’s swift departure in a taxi.
Mohammed admitted he wasn’t aware of the ownership of the apartment where Mamman was reportedly hiding in Rigasa, Kaduna State, describing it merely as a rental property. Judge Omotosho clarified to Mamman that his sentence commences immediately following the court’s decision, stating, “Your sentence starts today.” He indicated that Mamman had left Abuja alone after the ruling was announced.
In court, Mamman cited health concerns as a reason for his absence during the trial’s conclusion. The judge also reviewed the EFCC’s asset forfeiture application, which includes several significant properties across key locations, such as Walijam Apartments and Bloom Luxury Suites in Abuja and Kaduna State.
Mamman’s attorney, Femi Ateh, was notably absent during the proceedings, despite having been informed of the forfeiture application by the prosecution. Reportedly, the lawyer declined to accept the application and left the courtroom without notifying either the court or the prosecution team.
In an exchange with the judge, Mamman disclosed that he had lost contact with his lawyer since his arrest by the EFCC on May 19, 2026. The court, responding to the forfeiture request, decided an adjournment was warranted to provide a fair opportunity for the convict to present a defense. The judge ruled to delay the hearing until June 8, 2026, to facilitate the legal representation process and ensure adequate consideration of the forfeiture application.
Mamman was sentenced in absentia to 75 years in prison on May 13, 2026, after being convicted of embezzling approximately 33.8 billion naira in public funds. His arrest by EFCC operatives in Kaduna last week has culminated in this significant legal milestone.
