Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been transferred to the Nigeria Correctional Centre in Kuje, Abuja, following an order by the Federal High Court in Abuja for the commencement of his 75-year prison sentence over corruption charges.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, gave the directive on Tuesday after Mr Mamman was presented before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
A statement issued by the EFCC spokesperson, Mr Dele Oyewale, said the proceedings also included the filing of a consequential order seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
According to the statement, the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the anti-graft agency had filed an application dated 25 May, requesting the forfeiture of the assets.
Relative tells court Mamman fled to Kaduna
During the proceedings, Mr Shamsudeen Mohammed, who identified himself as a relative of the former minister, told the court that Mr Mamman travelled to Kaduna shortly after his conviction.
“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 said.
Mr Mohammed added that he did not know the owner of the apartment where the former minister was reportedly staying in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State.
“I don’t know the owner of the apartment where he was staying. It was a rented one.”
“Sentence starts from today” — Judge
Justice Omotosho informed Mr Mamman that his prison sentence would begin immediately.
“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi for Kaduna. I have done my work. I just have to inform you because today is the commencement of your sentence,” the judge said.
Mr Mamman told the court that his absence from earlier proceedings was due to ill health.
EFCC seeks forfeiture of more properties
The court also revisited parts of its 7 May judgment while considering the EFCC’s request for the forfeiture of additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.
The properties listed include Walijam Apartments at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; mansions located on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza on Kade Street, Abuja.
Mr Mamman’s counsel, Mr Femi Atteh, was absent during the proceedings despite reportedly being notified of the application.
A lawyer said to be representing him allegedly declined to accept the application and later left the courtroom without informing the court.
Mr Mamman told the court that he had not spoken with his lawyer since his arrest by EFCC operatives on 19 May.
Court adjourns forfeiture hearing
Justice Omotosho ruled that the forfeiture application would be adjourned to allow the convict fair hearing and legal representation.
“For the forfeiture of additional properties, the court will give adjournment for hearing on it to enable the convict to defend himself,” the judge ruled.
The court directed that Mr Mamman be personally served and adjourned the matter until 8 June, for hearing on the forfeiture request.
Mr Mamman was earlier sentenced on 13 May, to 75 years imprisonment for the misappropriation of public funds amounting to approximately N33.8bn.
The former minister was sentenced in absentia after failing to appear for the conclusion of his trial before he was later arrested in Kaduna by EFCC operatives.
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