Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Begins 75-Year Jail Term In Kuje Prison

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has officially begun serving his 75-year prison sentence at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja following an order of the Federal High Court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) transferred the former minister to prison custody on Tuesday after presenting him before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. Mamman was convicted over the misappropriation of public funds amounting to about ₦33.8 billion during his time in office. The former minister had earlier been sentenced in absentia after failing to appear for the conclusion of his trial.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the EFCC also filed a fresh application seeking the forfeiture of additional properties allegedly linked to the convicted former minister. According to the anti-graft agency, the properties include luxury apartments, mansions and commercial buildings located in Abuja and Kaduna State.

The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the assets were allegedly acquired through proceeds connected to the corruption case.

The court also heard testimony from a relative of the former minister, identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed, who disclosed that Mamman travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi shortly after his conviction. “He was sick and I was helping him to take his traditional medicine,” the witness told the court.

Mohammed further stated that he did not know the owner of the apartment where the former minister allegedly stayed in Rigasa, Kaduna.

Addressing Mamman directly, Justice Omotosho declared that the prison sentence officially takes effect immediately. “The sentence starts to run from today,” the judge stated.

“You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi for Kaduna. I have done my work.”

Mamman, however, claimed his absence from previous court proceedings was due to ill health.

The court also noted that Mamman’s lawyer Femi Atteh was absent during proceedings concerning the fresh forfeiture application.

Justice Omotosho eventually adjourned the forfeiture matter until June 8, 2026, to allow the former minister secure legal representation and respond properly to the application.

The case remains one of the most high-profile corruption convictions involving a former cabinet member under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.