EFCC transfers convicted ex-power minister, Mamman, to Kuje prison
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday handed over the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, for the commencement of his 75-year prison term.
Mamman, who was convicted and sentenced by Justice James Omotosho, was transferred to the correctional centre following his presentation before the judge by the EFCC, who filed a Consequential Order for the forfeiture of five new properties traced to the convict.
Daily Trust reports that Justice Omotosho convicted the former minister of all 12-count charges, which bordered on money laundering and fraud amounting to N33.8 billion, connected to the diversion of funds from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
Prosecution counsel and Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the Consequential Order dated May 25, 2026, was for an order of the court for the forfeiture of the properties.
During the proceedings, Justice Omotosho learned from one Shamsudeen Mohammed, identified as Mamman’s relative, that the former minister was in Abuja within the period of his conviction and sentencing and fled to Kaduna State through a taxi, only two days after his sentencing.
Following enquiries from the judge, the relative said, “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 further said that he did not know who owned the apartment where Mamman was hiding in Rigasa, Kaduna.
Concerning his transfer to the custodial centre, Justice Omotosho informed Mamman that his prison time began immediately after the court proceedings.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgement was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi to Kaduna. I have done my work.
“I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence. I will read the judgement for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done,” he said.
المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)