FHC quashes EFCC’s forfeiture bid against ex-Power Minister Mamman

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja Wednesday struck out a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) where the anti-graft agency is seeking to forfeit properties allegedly linked to former Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman.

This medium reports that Mamman is currently asking the Court of Appeal to quash his conviction.

Justice James Omotosho struck out the EFCC’s motion — dated July 29, 2026, and filed under Section 20 of the EFCC Act 2004, Section 321 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and Section 6(6) of the 1999 Constitution — in charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, after prosecution counsel Abba. Mohammed formally withdrew it.

The decision to withdraw according to Mohammed followed Mamman’s appeal against the entire judgment at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division.

The motion had sought a consequential order to permanently forfeit to the Federal Government properties the EFCC allegedly traced to Mamman after his conviction and sentencing.

Defence counsel Femi Atteh did not raise any objection about the withdrawal.

Justice Omotosho subsequently granted the application as prayed, striking out the motion in a brief ruling.

Mamman was convicted by Justice Omotosho on 12 counts tied to an alleged N33.8 billion fraud and handed consecutive prison terms totalling 75 years.

The former minister then now approached the Court of Appeal, through a notice of appeal dated May 26, 2026 filed by his legal team led by Femi Atteh, SAN, asking the appellate court to quash the conviction and discharge and acquit him.

The appeal rests on 18 grounds. Central among them is a claim that his right to fair hearing was violated when judgment was delivered in his absence on May 7, 2026, despite an earlier adjournment to June 9, 2026 for judgment.