Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has begun serving a 75-year prison sentence at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja after being convicted of embezzling public funds amounting to roughly 33.8 billion naira (about $22 million). The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, ordered his immediate transfer to prison custody following his sentencing earlier this month. Mamman, who was absent during the trial and sentencing, was apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after reportedly fleeing to Kaduna State.
During the court proceedings, the EFCC also sought the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to Mamman, including luxury apartments and commercial buildings in Abuja and Kaduna. The judge adjourned the forfeiture hearing to June 8, 2026, to allow Mamman the opportunity to defend himself, stressing the importance of fair hearing despite the gravity of the charges. His legal representation was notably absent, with one lawyer reportedly walking out of the courtroom without explanation.
Mamman claimed his absence from earlier proceedings was due to ill health, and a relative testified that he had been receiving traditional medicine in Kaduna. However, the court emphasized that his sentence would run from the date of his conviction, regardless of his movements after judgment. Justice Omotosho underscored that the law had taken its course, noting Mamman’s deliberate avoidance of the trial’s conclusion.
The case has drawn significant attention in Nigeria, where corruption among public officials remains a pressing concern. The EFCC’s pursuit of additional property forfeitures highlights the broader effort to recover stolen assets and deter future abuses of office. Public reaction has been mixed, with some praising the judiciary for its firmness, while others question whether such convictions will translate into systemic reforms.
International observers view the sentencing as a rare but important step in Nigeria’s fight against corruption, particularly given the scale of funds involved. Transparency advocates argue that consistent enforcement of anti-graft laws is essential to restoring public trust in governance and ensuring that public resources are directed toward development rather than personal enrichment.
The outcome of the forfeiture hearings in June will be closely watched, as they may set a precedent for how aggressively Nigerian authorities pursue asset recovery in corruption cases. For now, Mamman’s imprisonment stands as one of the most high-profile convictions of a former government minister in recent years, signaling a tougher stance against financial crimes in the country.
