A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the forfeiture of five additional properties linked to convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, with one permanently forfeited and four placed under interim forfeiture.
Justice James Omotosho gave the ruling on Thursday while delivering judgment on an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The properties include Walijam Apartments at No. 43, Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja; Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited at No. 5 Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion at No. 11 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another mansion at No. 13 Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; and A.U.A Plaza at Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Justice Omotosho ordered the permanent forfeiture of Walijam Apartments after holding that the EFCC had established during Mamman’s criminal trial that the property was acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities.
The court, however, granted an interim forfeiture order on the remaining four properties, ruling that the EFCC had not sufficiently proved that Mamman acquired them or had ownership interests in them.
The judge directed the anti-graft agency to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper within seven days to allow any interested party to appear before the court and show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
During proceedings, Justice Omotosho rejected the argument by Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), that the court had become functus officio following the former minister’s conviction and sentencing.
The judge held that Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) empowers a court to make restitution orders even after securing a conviction.
Counsel to the EFCC, Abba Mohammed, argued that despite the conclusion of the criminal trial, the court retained jurisdiction to hear the forfeiture application.
He noted that while the charge alleged Mamman diverted N33.8 billion, the court found that the prosecution successfully proved the diversion of N22 billion.
According to Mohammed, the EFCC has recovered less than N2 billion from the N22 billion established by the court, despite earlier forfeiture orders.
Justice Omotosho had previously ordered the final forfeiture of several Abuja properties and funds recovered in multiple foreign currencies during the EFCC’s investigation into the former minister.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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