Court Orders Fresh Asset Forfeiture Against Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the forfeiture of additional properties linked to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in favour of the Federal Government, following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, granted a final forfeiture order for one property and ordered the interim forfeiture of four others after ruling that the court retained the jurisdiction to entertain the application despite Mamman’s earlier conviction and sentencing.

The property permanently forfeited is Walijam Apartments, located at No. 43, Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja. The court held that evidence presented during Mamman’s criminal trial established that the property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

Justice Omotosho also ordered the interim forfeiture of four additional properties pending the determination of any competing ownership claims. The assets include Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited at No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State, two mansions on Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, and A.U.A Plaza on Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja. The judge directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days, allowing any interested parties to appear before the court and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

During proceedings, Mamman’s counsel argued that the court had become functus officio—meaning it no longer had jurisdiction after delivering judgment in the criminal case. However, the judge rejected the objection, holding that Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015 empowers the court to make restitution and forfeiture orders even after a conviction has been secured.

Counsel for the EFCC, Abba Mohammed, told the court that although Mamman had been convicted for diverting about ₦22 billion, the anti-graft agency had recovered less than ₦2 billion despite earlier forfeiture orders, making the fresh application necessary.

Mamman was convicted earlier this year on 12 amended counts bordering on money laundering involving funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. He is currently serving a 75-year prison sentence following his conviction by the same court.