Court orders forfeiture of ex-minister Saleh Mamman's properties after 75-year sentence

Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman, already serving a 75-year prison sentence for corruption involving N33.8 billion, has lost more of his assets. The Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday ordered the permanent forfeiture of Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Abuja, and interim forfeiture of four other properties including Bloom Luxury Suites in Kaduna and two mansions on Misratah Street.

Justice James Omotosho ruled that the EFCC proved Walijam Apartments was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The judge had earlier ordered Mamman to refund N22 billion, but the EFCC said it only recovered less than N2 billion from him so far. Now they are going after five more properties to make up the shortfall.

Mamman's lawyer, Femi Atteh SAN, argued the court lacked jurisdiction after sentencing, but the judge disagreed. The EFCC must now publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days. So the question is: how did a man who oversaw power projects walk away with billions while Nigerians still dey suffer darkness?