Former Nigerian Minister Transferred to Abuja Prison

By Babatunji Wusu – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has sent a former minister of power Saleh Mamman to prison in Abuja. This action follows a strict judicial command after a major money laundering case. Justice James Omotosho ordered the immediate transfer of Saleh Mamman to the Kuje Correctional Centre to start his lengthy 75-year prison term.

The anti-graft group shared this update through a public announcement on its official social media channel. Earlier in May, the court found the top politician guilty of a 16-count charge tied to hiding more than ₦33.8 billion. The complex legal issue involved the illegal purchase of expensive houses and the stealing of cash meant for massive national electricity projects, such as the Mambilla and Zungeru power plans.

The official ran away to Kaduna State shortly after his conviction but secret agents caught him and a family member on 19 May. In court, his relative Shamsudeen Mohammed claimed the politician took a local cab to Kaduna to receive native medical care. Justice Omotosho told the convict that his time behind bars starts right now, saying: “The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment 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 judgment for you to know why the conviction and sentencing were done.”

The agency now wants to seize five properties linked to the criminal acts, including Walijam Apartments and A.U.A. Plaza in Abuja. Because the politician had no lawyer present, the judge paused the property hearing until 8 June to give him time to get legal help.