Court orders forfeiture of ex-minister Saleh Mamman’s properties

A 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, who is serving a 75-year prison sentence for corruption.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, delivered the ruling on Thursday, holding that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had established that one of the properties was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.

The court permanently forfeited Walijam Apartments, located at Plot 435, No. 43 Lobito Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, to the Federal Government.

It also granted an interim forfeiture order on four other properties pending the determination of any claims by interested parties. The properties are Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited on No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse II, Abuja; another property at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse II, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

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

Mamman was prosecuted by the EFCC on an amended 12-count charge bordering on corruption and the laundering of about ₦33.8 billion.

The court convicted him on all 12 counts on 7 May 2026 and sentenced him to a total of 75 years’ imprisonment on 13 May 2026.

In addition to the prison term, the court ordered the former minister to refund ₦22 billion, which the EFCC successfully traced to him. Several assets identified as proceeds of crime were also recovered during the trial.

The latest forfeiture orders form part of the continuing recovery of assets linked to the former minister’s conviction.