The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of a property belonging to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, while approving the temporary seizure of four additional assets connected to the former minister. Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) established that Walijam Apartments […]
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the permanent forfeiture of a property belonging to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, while approving the temporary seizure of four additional assets connected to the former minister.
Delivering the ruling, Justice James Omotosho held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) established that Walijam Apartments in Wuse 2, Abuja, was purchased with proceeds of crime.
The judge also granted an interim forfeiture order covering Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State, two buildings on Misratah Street in Abuja and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2.
Justice Omotosho instructed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days, giving any interested persons the opportunity to challenge the planned permanent forfeiture of the remaining properties.
Saleh Mamman was prosecuted on a 12 count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.
Following his conviction, the court sentenced the former minister to 75 years imprisonment and directed him to refund ₦22 billion recovered during the anti corruption investigation.
The court also approved the recovery of other assets identified as proceeds of unlawful activities during the prosecution.