By Desire Emmanuel
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered the forfeiture of five properties belonging to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who is serving 75 years jail term for corruption.
The judge gave the order last Thursday two months after the minister was sentenced over corruption charges.
According to a statement by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, July 6, properties to be forfeited permanently were Walijam Apartments located on Number 43 Plot 435, Lobito Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Those forfeited on interim basis are: Bloom Luxury Suites Nigeria Limited, located on Number 5, Amana Crescent, New Estate, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna State; a mansion on Number 11, Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja; another at Number 13, Misratah Street, Wuse 2, Abuja and A.U.A Plaza on Plot 734 Kade Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.
In ruling on the final forfeiture application, Justice Omotosho held that the EFCC was able to establish that the convict acquired Walijam Apartments with proceeds of unlawful activities.
On the other hand, he ordered the commission to publish an order of interim forfeiture in a national newspaper within seven days, for interested parties to appear before the court and show cause as to why the other four properties should not be finally forfeited to the Federal Government.
The EFCC prosecuted Mamman before Justice Omotosho on an amended 12-count charge of corruption and money laundering to the tune of N33. 8 billion. The judge convicted him on all the counts on May 7 and sentenced him to 75 years imprisonment on May 13.
The judge further ordered him to refund N22 billion the commission traced to him.
