The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of one property and the interim forfeiture of four others linked to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice James Omotosho ruled that Walijam Apartments, located at Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, be permanently forfeited after the court found that it was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities established during Mamman’s criminal trial.
The court also granted interim forfeiture orders for Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State, two mansions on Misratah Street in Wuse 2, Abuja, and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja. Justice Omotosho said the EFCC had not yet fully proven that Mamman owned or had beneficial interests in those properties.
He directed the anti-graft agency to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days, giving any interested party the opportunity to appear before the court and explain why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The judge dismissed an objection by Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh (SAN), who argued that the court no longer had jurisdiction after convicting and sentencing the former minister. Justice Omotosho held that Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act empowers the court to issue restitution and forfeiture orders even after a conviction.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Abba Mohammed argued that the court retained jurisdiction over the matter and noted that although the agency established that Mamman diverted N22 billion out of the N33.8 billion involved in the case, it had recovered less than N2 billion despite previous forfeiture orders. He urged the court to approve the forfeiture of the additional properties to recover more of the alleged proceeds of crime.
Earlier this year, the court convicted Mamman on a 12-count charge of money laundering involving funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects. The court found that he diverted at least N22 billion through proxy companies and accomplices.
Justice Omotosho sentenced the former minister to a cumulative 75-year prison term, ordered his arrest wherever found, including through INTERPOL, and directed that he refund the outstanding balance between the recovered assets and the N22 billion established during the trial.
The judge described the diversion of funds meant for critical electricity projects as a serious betrayal of public trust, saying the investigation successfully traced the misappropriated funds to the former minister.
After weeks of surveillance, the EFCC arrested Mamman following his conviction in absentia, and he was transferred to a correctional facility to begin serving his sentence.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to ensuring that Mamman serves his prison term, stressing the agency’s resolve in the fight against corruption.
The former minister is also facing another criminal trial in Abuja over an alleged N31 billion fraud case.
