Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been transferred to the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Kuje following an order of the Federal High Court for the commencement of his 75-year prison sentence.

Justice James Omotosho gave the order on Tuesday after the former minister was presented before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, the proceedings also featured the filing of a consequential order seeking the forfeiture of five additional properties allegedly linked to the former minister.

The prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the application dated May 25, 2026, sought the forfeiture of the assets.

During the hearing, one Shamsudeen Mohammed, who identified himself as a relative of Mamman, told the court that the former minister travelled from Abuja to Kaduna by taxi shortly after his conviction and sentencing.

“My name is Shamsudeen Mohammed. He is my relative. He was sick, and I was helping him to take his traditional medicine. He was brought by a taxi from Abuja to Kaduna,” he said.

He further stated that he did not know the owner of the apartment in Rigasa, Kaduna State, where Mamman was reportedly staying after leaving Abuja.

Justice Omotosho informed the convict that his prison sentence would begin immediately, noting that he had left Abuja after judgment was delivered in the case.

“The sentence starts to run from today. You were in Abuja when the judgment was passed. You were in Abuja when the sentence was passed. You left alone in a taxi for Kaduna. I have done my work,” the judge stated.

Mamman told the court that he stayed away from proceedings because of ill health.

The court also revisited aspects of the May 7 judgment while considering the EFCC’s request for the forfeiture of additional assets, including Walijam Apartments at Plot 435 Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; mansions at Nos. 11 and 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A. Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, was absent during the proceedings despite reportedly being informed about the forfeiture application.

Responding to the court, Mamman said he had not been in contact with his lawyer since his arrest by EFCC operatives on May 19, 2026.

Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the forfeiture application hearing until June 8, 2026, to allow the former minister secure legal representation and defend himself against the application.

Mamman was sentenced on May 13, 2026, to 75 years imprisonment for the misappropriation of public funds amounting to about N33.8bn. He was convicted in absentia after failing to appear for the conclusion of his trial before his eventual arrest in Kaduna by EFCC operatives last week.