Court approves transfer of ex-Power minister Saleh Mamman to Kuje Prison after 75-Year fraud sentence

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) approval to transfer the convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Kuje Correctional Centre following his conviction for large-scale financial fraud.

Mamman was on May 13 sentenced to 75 years imprisonment over the diversion of about ₦33.8 billion in public funds, linked to power infrastructure projects.

The court had earlier convicted him in absentia after he failed to appear for the conclusion of his trial, having allegedly jumped bail before sentencing. He was later arrested at a hideout in Kaduna State and brought back before the court by the EFCC.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, the court was informed that Mamman had fled Abuja shortly after the judgment, reportedly using a chartered taxi to escape to Kaduna, where he went into hiding while claiming to be ill and receiving traditional treatment.

A relative of the former minister told the court that Mamman had been assisted while in hiding but was unaware of the apartment’s ownership, describing it as a rented facility.

In court, Mamman, appearing subdued, said he stayed away from proceedings due to health challenges. However, trial judge Justice James Omotosho reminded him that the sentence had already commenced.

“The sentence starts to run from today… I have done my work,” the judge stated.

He subsequently ordered that Mamman be moved to Kuje prison to begin serving his sentence.

The EFCC also sought a consequential forfeiture order on several properties allegedly linked to the convict, including luxury apartments and high-value real estate in Abuja and Kaduna. The court, however, adjourned the forfeiture hearing to allow Mamman secure legal representation.

The court found Mamman guilty on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering, imposing multiple consecutive jail terms totaling 75 years, alongside a ₦10 million fine on one count.

He was also ordered to refund ₦22 billion to the federal government in relation to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects, with additional forfeiture of cash and properties already traced to him.

The case adds to Nigeria’s growing list of high-profile corruption convictions in the energy sector, marking one of the most significant post-service sentences handed down to a former federal minister.