Court Orders Forfeiture of Assets Belonging to Convicted Ex-Minister Mamman
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted a request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the final forfeiture of properties belonging to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. The ruling comes after the ex-minister was convicted of money laundering and fraud involving funds intended for critical energy infrastructure.
Justice James Omotosho ordered the forfeiture of four choice properties in Abuja and recovered foreign currencies linked to the convict. The court's decision follows a trial where the EFCC established that Mamman and his associates siphoned at least N22 billion from the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power projects.
In addition to the asset forfeiture, the judge ordered that Mamman must refund the difference between the recovered assets and the N22 billion proven to have been diverted. The court described the diversion of funds meant for power projects into private pockets as an "eyesore," noting that the defendant failed to create a legacy of solving the country's power supply issues.
Saleh Mamman was sentenced in absentia to a total of 75 years in prison. The sentence consists of seven years for ten separate counts, a three-year term for count four with a fine option of N10 million, and a two-year term for count five. Justice Omotosho ruled that these sentences shall run consecutively, meaning they will be served one after another.
Security agencies and INTERPOL have been directed to track and arrest the former minister to ensure he serves his jail term. The conviction follows a 12-count amended charge that accused Mamman of conspiracy and criminal breach of trust during his tenure as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021.
