The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman following his recent conviction over alleged financial misappropriation linked to major power projects.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed that Mamman was arrested around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in Kano.
Speaking during a press briefing, Olukoyede recalled that the EFCC had filed charges against the former minister in January 2025 over the alleged diversion of more than ₦33 billion meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.
“About 14 to 15 months down the line, specifically on the 7th of this month, we secured convictions on all 12 counts,” Olukoyede said.
He explained that sentencing had earlier been postponed because Mamman failed to appear in court, adding that he was eventually sentenced in absentia on May 13.
“Since then, we decided to open our intelligence surveillance to the public, looking for him all over the place,” the EFCC chairman stated.
Olukoyede added that the former minister was arrested alongside two other individuals accused of shielding and protecting him from arrest.
According to him, the commission would also investigate the house where Mamman was apprehended.
The EFCC chairman described the arrest as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to the anti-corruption fight.
“It is to assure Nigerians that anyone who has taken government or national resources will not go unpunished,” he said.
Earlier this month, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Mamman on all 12 counts filed against him by the EFCC.
The court sentenced him in absentia to a total of 75 years’ imprisonment over ₦33.8 billion in money laundering offences linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Justice Omotosho ruled that Mamman deliberately absconded to frustrate the administration of justice.
The court imposed seven-year prison terms on multiple counts without the option of a fine, while other counts attracted shorter terms, including one with a ₦10 million fine option.
The judge also directed security agencies to collaborate with Interpol to ensure Mamman’s arrest before he was eventually apprehended by the EFCC.
