According to report by Vanguard on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Saleh Mamman, former Power Minister, is linked to a ₦33.8bn fraud case in which the Federal High Court in Abuja previously convicted him and sentenced him to 75 years imprisonment in absentia after he failed to appear in court and was said to have jumped bail.
On Tuesday, the court approved EFCC’s request to transfer him to Kuje Correctional Centre for commencement of his sentence after he was arrested at a hideout in Kaduna State.
A relative, Shamsudeen Mohammed, told the court Mamman left Abuja in a hired taxi shortly after sentencing and moved to Kaduna, saying he was ill and relying on traditional treatment.
He added that the ex-minister avoided hospitals for fear of arrest and stayed in a rented apartment whose owner he did not know.
Mamman told the court he stayed away due to health issues, but Justice James Omotosho dismissed his plea, stating the sentence began on the day of judgment and reminding him he was in Abuja when conviction and sentencing were delivered.
The EFCC sought forfeiture of several properties linked to him, but the judge adjourned the application to allow him obtain legal representation and ordered personal service. The hearing was fixed for June 8.
He was convicted on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering, receiving multiple concurrent jail terms, with one count attracting a ₦10m fine option.
The court also ordered ₦22bn restitution and forfeiture of several Abuja properties.
The forfeited assets reportedly include high-value apartments and duplexes in Abuja and Kaduna, while the EFCC continues efforts to recover additional funds tied to Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.
The case underscores ongoing anti-corruption enforcement actions by the EFCC. Proceedings continue in Abuja court next month as scheduled thereafter.
