Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape witnessed a defining moment this week as the long and closely followed case involving former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, reached a firm and irreversible stage. Once a key figure in the country’s energy sector, Mamman has now been transferred to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja, where he has officially begun serving a 75-year prison sentence handed down by the Federal High Court.
The directive for his immediate remand was issued by Justice James Omotosho on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, after the former minister was presented before the court following his arrest by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. His apprehension marked the end of a tense manhunt that lasted nearly two weeks and drew significant public attention, given both his status and the magnitude of the case.
The Disappearance That Sparked a Manhunt
The circumstances surrounding Mamman’s disappearance added a dramatic twist to an already high-profile trial. Court records and submissions revealed that the former minister had been present in Abuja when he was initially convicted on May 7, 2026. However, by the time the court formally delivered his cumulative sentence of 75 years on May 13, he was nowhere to be found.
His absence immediately raised concerns and triggered a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies to locate him. Investigations later revealed that Mamman had quietly left Abuja just days after his conviction. Choosing a low-profile means of transport, he reportedly boarded a commercial taxi and traveled to Kaduna State, apparently hoping to avoid detection while he remained out of public view.
For several days, his whereabouts remained unknown, fueling speculation and raising questions about how a high-profile convict could evade authorities so easily. However, the EFCC maintained that it was actively tracking leads, combining surveillance with intelligence gathering to pinpoint his location.
Read more on: Middle East on the Edge as Israel Expands Lebanon Offensive and Iran Threatens US Retaliation
Arrest in Kaduna and Courtroom Revelations
The search eventually led operatives to a rented apartment in the Rigasa area of Kaduna. In the early hours of May 19, 2026, EFCC officials carried out a coordinated operation and successfully arrested Mamman at the location. He was taken into custody alongside a relative identified as Shamsudeen Mohammed.
During proceedings on Tuesday, Mohammed provided testimony that shed light on the former minister’s time in hiding. According to him, Mamman had been dealing with health challenges and had relocated to Kaduna to seek traditional medical treatment. Mohammed claimed his role was simply to assist in that process and insisted that he had no knowledge of the ownership of the apartment where they were staying.
Mamman himself echoed similar claims, telling the court that his absence from key stages of the trial was due to ill health. However, these explanations did little to influence the court’s stance on the matter.
The Court’s Firm Position
Justice Omotosho made it clear that the court would not be swayed by arguments surrounding health or personal circumstances, particularly in light of the timeline presented. Addressing the former minister directly, the judge emphasized that Mamman had been fully aware of the proceedings and had chosen to leave Abuja despite knowing the legal implications.
The judge pointed out that both the conviction and sentencing took place within a period when Mamman was present in the capital, dismissing any suggestion that he had been unaware of the court’s decisions. He further noted that fleeing to Kaduna did not alter the authority of the court or delay the enforcement of its judgment.
With a tone that reflected finality, Justice Omotosho declared that the sentence would take effect immediately. That pronouncement effectively marked the beginning of Mamman’s prison term, closing the chapter on any attempt to delay or evade justice.
Read more on: EFCC Arraigns Fake Presidential Aide Over Alleged ₦25.9 Million Crypto License Fraud
A Sentence with Lifelong Implications
At 68 years old, a 75-year sentence carries significant weight, effectively ensuring that Mamman will spend the remainder of his life in custody. Legal analysts have described the ruling as one of the most severe handed down in a corruption-related case involving a former public official in Nigeria.
The length of the sentence reflects the gravity of the offenses, which involve large-scale financial misconduct tied to critical national infrastructure projects. It also signals a broader message from the judiciary about accountability and the consequences of abusing public office.
Government Moves to Recover Alleged Illicit Wealth
While the prison sentence represents a major milestone, authorities are also focused on recovering assets believed to have been acquired through незаконные means. During the same court session, the prosecution team led by Rotimi Oyedepo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, filed a fresh application seeking a consequential forfeiture order.
The application targets several high-value properties allegedly linked to the proceeds of a 33.8 billion naira money laundering scheme. According to the prosecution, these assets form part of a network of investments used to conceal and manage funds diverted from public projects.
Among the properties listed are Walijam Apartments located in Wuse 2, Abuja, and a property associated with Bloom Luxury Suites in Kaduna State. The list also includes two luxury mansions on Misratah Street in Abuja, as well as A.U.A. Plaza, a large commercial complex situated in a prime area of the capital.
If approved, the forfeiture order would permanently transfer ownership of these assets to the federal government, marking a significant step in efforts to dismantle the financial gains associated with corruption.
Read more on: Amaechi Rejects ADC Presidential Primary Outcome, Calls It A “Sham”
Ensuring Fair Hearing Despite Conviction
Despite the weight of the evidence and the conviction already secured, the court took steps to ensure that due process continues to be followed in the matter of asset forfeiture. Mamman’s lead counsel, Femi Atteh, was not present during the proceedings, and the former minister informed the court that he had been unable to contact his legal team since his arrest.
In response, Justice Omotosho directed that all relevant documents be served directly to Mamman at the Kuje Correctional Centre. This measure is intended to give him adequate time and opportunity to secure legal representation and respond to the forfeiture application.
The case has been adjourned to June 8, 2026, when the court is expected to resume hearings on the asset recovery process.
Broader Context and National Significance
The case against Saleh Mamman is rooted in an amended 16-count charge that outlines the diversion of funds allocated to major power infrastructure projects, specifically the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power initiatives. These projects are considered essential to addressing Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges, making the allegations particularly serious.
The scale of the funds involved, combined with the strategic importance of the projects, has placed the case at the center of national discourse on corruption and governance. For many Nigerians, the outcome represents a test of the country’s commitment to holding powerful individuals accountable.
Mamman’s fall from a position of influence to a prison inmate has become a powerful symbol of that accountability. It underscores the risks associated with mismanagement of public resources and highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by those in positions of authority.
A Defining Moment
As Saleh Mamman settles into life at the Kuje Correctional Centre, the legal and political implications of his case continue to unfold. His imprisonment marks the conclusion of one phase of the process, but the pursuit of asset recovery and the broader conversation about transparency and accountability remain ongoing.
For now, the image of a former cabinet minister beginning a lengthy prison sentence serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of corruption. It is a moment that will likely be referenced in discussions about governance and justice in Nigeria for years to come.
Read more on:
- Tinubu Reassures Nigerians on Security, Urges Unity and Renewed Hope for National Progress
- FG and World Bank Cancel $717.7 Million Power Sector Loan as Reform Programme Ends Early
- Atiku Surges Ahead in ADC Presidential Primaries, Secures Victory in Five States
- Court Ruling Ends Disqualification Push Against Jonathan Ahead of 2027
