TD The Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, to the Federal Government.
The ruling marked another significant milestone in the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) efforts to recover assets acquired through proceeds of corruption.
The ruling was delivered by Justice James Omotosho on Thursday, July 2, 2026, following an application by the EFCC.
The anti-graft agency successfully argued that the properties were connected to unlawful activities for which Mamman was convicted.
Mamman is currently serving a 75-year prison sentence after being found guilty on all 12 counts of corruption and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.
Walijam Apartments Permanently Forfeited
Among the five properties, the court granted a final order of forfeiture in respect of Walijam Apartments, located at No. 43, Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho held that the EFCC had established, through evidence before the court, that the apartment complex was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
The judge consequently ordered that the property be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
Four Other Properties Get Interim Forfeiture Orders
The court also granted interim forfeiture orders on four additional properties pending the determination of any claims by interested parties.
The affected properties include Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited located at 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 situated on Plot 734, Kade Street, Wuse II, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho directed the EFCC to publish notices of the interim forfeiture in a national newspaper within seven days, inviting any person with an interest in the properties to appear before the court and show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The publication requirement forms part of the legal process to ensure that any legitimate ownership claims are considered before the court issues final forfeiture orders.
Conviction Followed Extensive Corruption Trial
The forfeiture proceedings stem from Mamman’s conviction in a high-profile corruption case prosecuted by the EFCC before the same court.
The anti-graft agency had arraigned the former minister on an amended 12-count charge bordering on corruption and money laundering involving N33.8 billion.
After a lengthy trial, Justice Omotosho convicted Mamman on all 12 counts on May 7, 2026, before sentencing him to a cumulative 75 years’ imprisonment on May 13, 2026.
In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered the former minister to refund N22 billion successfully traced to him by investigators during the course of the trial.
Several illicit assets were also recovered from him while the case was ongoing.
EFCC Intensifies Asset Recovery Campaign
The latest forfeiture orders underscore the EFCC’s determination to ensure that individuals convicted of financial crimes do not retain the benefits of illicitly acquired wealth.
Asset recovery has remained a central component of the Commission’s anti-corruption strategy, with investigators pursuing both criminal convictions and the confiscation of properties believed to have been purchased with proceeds of crime.
Legal experts note that while Walijam Apartments has now been permanently forfeited, the fate of the remaining four properties will depend on whether any interested parties come forward with credible evidence to establish lawful ownership before the court.
The case represents one of Nigeria’s most significant corruption prosecutions involving a former cabinet minister, combining a lengthy prison sentence with extensive financial restitution and the forfeiture of multiple high-value assets to the Federal Government.
