Former Power Minister Sent to Prison for Money Laundering
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred former Power Minister Saleh Mamman to Kuje Correctional Center, where he will serve a 75-year sentence for his involvement in a N33.8 billion money laundering scheme.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, issued the order for incarceration following the appearance of the former minister in court on Tuesday. During the proceedings, the judge clearly stated, “Your sentence starts today,” reaffirming that Mamman had left Abuja before the judgment was delivered. Mamman reportedly took a taxi to Kaduna after learning of the court’s decision.
In the courtroom, Justice Omotosho indicated that he would read the judgment to clarify the details leading to Mamman’s conviction and subsequent sentencing, which had occurred in absentia on May 13, following a guilty verdict on all 16 charges on May 7.
The fraudulent activities for which Mamman was convicted involved significant misallocation of funds intended for major power projects, including the Zungeru Hydropower Station and Mambilla Hydropower Project, in addition to the purchase of high-value real estate.
Following his conviction, Mamman fled Abuja but was apprehended by EFCC operatives along with his relatives in the Rigasa area of Kaduna on May 19. During the hearing, a relative named Shamsudeen Mohammed testified that he had transported Mamman to Kaduna out of concern for his health, stating, “He was sick, and I was helping him take traditional medicine.” However, when questioned about the accommodations in Kaduna, Mohammed claimed he did not know the owner of the rented apartment where Mamman had been staying.
In court, Mamman expressed that he had avoided legal proceedings due to health issues. Meanwhile, the EFCC is pursuing the forfeiture of five properties linked to Mamman, which includes several locations in Abuja and Kaduna, such as Waryam Apartments and Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited.
Although Mamman’s legal representative, Femi Ateh, had been informed about the confiscation process, he was notably absent from the courtroom. Additionally, another attorney claiming to represent Mamman reportedly refused to accept the application and left the proceedings. When interrogated by the judge, Mamman revealed that he had not communicated with any legal counsel since his arrest on May 19.
As for the matter of property confiscation, Justice Omotosho decided to postpone the hearing, allowing time for the convicts to mount a defense. The case is set for adjournment until June 8, 2026, with instructions for the court to ensure that Mamman receives notice directly, thereby enabling him to secure legal representation of his choice.
