The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred Saleh Mamman, a former minister of power, to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja. This transfer follows an order by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who mandated the commencement of Mamman’s 75-year prison sentence. Mamman was presented before the court by EFCC operatives on Tuesday, marking a significant development in his legal battle.

Mamman's conviction dates back to May 7, when he was found guilty on all 12 counts preferred against him by the EFCC. He was subsequently sentenced in absentia on May 13, 2026, to a cumulative 75 years in prison for diverting public funds totaling approximately N33.8 billion. The sentencing details include seven years each on 10 counts, and three and two years respectively on counts four and five. Justice Omotosho ruled that these sentences would run consecutively, with no option of a fine except for count four, which carried an option of a N10 million fine. An arrest warrant had been issued against him due to his absence from court proceedings.

Following the warrant, the anti-graft agency apprehended Mamman on May 19, 2026, in Kaduna. During Tuesday's court proceedings, Shamsudeen Mohammed, a relative of the former minister, testified that Mamman had been in Abuja around the period of his conviction and sentencing but later fled to Kaduna State via taxi, just two days after the judgment. Mohammed also stated that he was unaware of the ownership of the apartment in Rigasa, Kaduna, where Mamman was reportedly hiding. Mamman, for his part, attributed his absence from earlier proceedings to ill health.

Justice Omotosho directly addressed Mamman, informing him that his prison sentence commenced immediately after the court proceedings on Tuesday. The judge emphasized that Mamman was aware of the judgment and sentence, having been in Abuja when they were passed, and chose to leave for Kaduna. The judge reiterated his role, stating, "I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence. I will read the judgment for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done."

Further into the proceedings, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC and Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, filed a consequential application seeking an asset forfeiture order on five additional properties in Abuja allegedly linked to Mamman. The properties listed include Walijam Apartments at No.43, Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited at No 5, Amana Crescent, New Estate Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna state; a mansion on No 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; a mansion on No 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

The EFCC noted the absence of Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, despite being briefed about the asset forfeiture application. A lawyer reportedly representing Atteh in court declined to accept the application and subsequently left the courtroom without notifying either the court or the prosecution team. When questioned by the judge about his counsel’s absence, Mamman stated he had not been in contact with Atteh since his arrest and detention by the EFCC on May 19, 2026. In the interest of fair hearing, Justice Omotosho deemed an adjournment necessary for the forfeiture application. The case was therefore adjourned until June 8, 2026, to allow Mamman to engage a lawyer of his choice and defend himself regarding the forfeiture of the additional properties.