A convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has forfeited another property to the Federal Government after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the permanent forfeiture of a luxury apartment linked to proceeds of corruption and placed four additional properties under interim forfeiture.

Justice James Omotosho granted the application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), ruling that Walijam Apartments on Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, was acquired with funds derived from unlawful activities established during the former minister’s criminal trial.

The court also ordered the interim forfeiture of four other properties, namely Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited in Kaduna State, two mansions on Misratah Street in Wuse 2, Abuja, and A.U.A Plaza on Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Although the EFCC has yet to conclusively establish ownership or beneficial interest in the four properties, Justice Omotosho held that the commission presented sufficient evidence to justify interim forfeiture. He directed the anti-graft agency to publish the order in a national newspaper within seven days to enable any interested party to contest the forfeiture before it is made final.

The judge dismissed objections by the former minister’s legal team, which argued that the court lacked jurisdiction after delivering judgment in the criminal case. He explained that Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act empowers courts to issue restitution and forfeiture orders even after conviction.

During proceedings, the EFCC informed the court that the former minister diverted N22 billion from the N33.8 billion involved in the case and that less than N2 billion had been recovered despite earlier forfeiture orders. The commission maintained that the additional properties were necessary to recover part of the outstanding proceeds of the crime.

The ruling follows the court’s May 7 judgment, which found the former minister guilty on 12 counts of money laundering involving funds allocated to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Projects.

Justice Omotosho sentenced him to a cumulative 75-year prison term after determining that he diverted at least N22 billion through proxy companies and associates. The court further ordered him to refund the outstanding balance of the stolen funds after accounting for recovered assets and directed security agencies, including INTERPOL, to apprehend him wherever he might be found.

Describing the diversion of funds meant for key electricity projects as a serious breach of public trust, the judge noted that the former minister enriched himself while millions of Nigerians continued to endure inadequate power supply.

Following weeks of surveillance, the EFCC arrested the former minister after his conviction and transferred him to a correctional facility to commence his sentence. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the commission’s determination to ensure that the convict serves his jail term. The former minister is also facing a separate criminal trial over an alleged N31 billion fraud.