Court Orders Forfeiture of Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman’s Properties

A Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the forfeiture of five properties belonging to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is currently serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction on corruption-related offences.

Justice James Omotosho issued the order on July 2, directing the permanent forfeiture of Walijam Apartments located in Wuse 2, Abuja, after ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established that the property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The court also granted an interim forfeiture order on four other properties, including Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna, two residential buildings on Misratah Street in Wuse 2, Abuja, and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Justice Omotosho further directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days to allow any interested party to appear before the court and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

Saleh Mamman was earlier arraigned by the EFCC on a 12-count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion. The court found him guilty on all counts and sentenced him to 75 years’ imprisonment. In addition to the jail term, the court ordered the former minister to refund ₦22 billion, which the EFCC traced to the offences for which he was convicted.