The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, days after he was sentenced to 75 years imprisonment over a multi billion naira corruption case linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. Mamman, who had reportedly gone into hiding following his conviction, was apprehended in Kaduna State during an early morning operation carried out by EFCC operatives.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed the arrest during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, revealing that the former minister was captured around 3:30 a.m. after weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. According to him, Mamman was found in Rigasa area of Kaduna where he was allegedly being sheltered by two individuals who were also arrested for harbouring a convicted person.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, had been declared wanted after failing to appear in court for sentencing earlier this month. Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had convicted him on all 12 counts brought against him by the EFCC, including money laundering, diversion of public funds, and criminal breach of trust involving over N33.8 billion meant for critical electricity projects.
The court found that large sums allocated for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects were allegedly diverted through proxy companies and Bureau de Change operators before eventually being converted into foreign currencies for personal benefit. Justice Omotosho described the evidence presented by the prosecution as overwhelming and criticised the former minister for betraying public trust at a time Nigeria continues to struggle with chronic electricity shortages.
In one of the strongest corruption judgments delivered against a former public official in recent years, the court ordered that the prison terms attached to the 12 counts should run consecutively rather than concurrently, resulting in a combined sentence of 75 years imprisonment. The judge also ordered the forfeiture of recovered assets and directed security agencies to locate and arrest Mamman wherever he was found.
Before his arrest, Mamman’s disappearance had generated widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning how a convicted former minister managed to evade authorities after such a high profile judgment. His lawyer had earlier informed the court that he could not determine his client’s whereabouts following the conviction.
The arrest is already being viewed by many observers as a major test of Nigeria’s anti corruption campaign, especially amid longstanding criticism that politically exposed persons often escape accountability despite facing serious allegations. Analysts say the successful capture of the former minister could strengthen public confidence in the EFCC’s willingness to pursue high profile corruption cases to their conclusion.
