The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who was recently convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court in Abuja over financial misappropriation allegations linked to major power projects.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed the arrest during a press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that Mamman was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. in Kano State.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you will recall that sometime in January 2025, we filed charges against the ex-minister of power for allegedly converting over ₦33 billion – money that was set aside for the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects,” Olukoyede said.
“About 14 to 15 months down the line, specifically on the 7th of this month, we secured convictions on all 12 counts. Because the defendant was not present, the issue of sentencing was shifted. And on the 13th of this month, he was sentenced in absentia.
“Since then, we decided to open our intelligence surveillance to the public, looking for him all over the place. I am happy to announce to Nigerians that at about 3:30 a.m. this morning, we arrested Mr. Saleh Mamman somewhere in Kano,” he added.
According to the EFCC chairman, Mamman was arrested alongside two individuals alleged to have been shielding him from authorities.
Olukoyede also disclosed that the property where the former minister was arrested is currently under investigation.
Describing the arrest as a major milestone in the anti-corruption fight, the EFCC boss said the development demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring accountability.
“It is to assure Nigerians that anyone who has taken government or national resources will not go unpunished, and the eagle eye of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will always catch up with you wherever you are hiding,” he stated.
Mamman was convicted on all 12 counts brought against him by the EFCC over alleged money laundering offences involving ₦33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
On May 13, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sentenced the former minister in absentia to a cumulative 75 years imprisonment after ruling that his repeated absence from court was a deliberate attempt to frustrate the judicial process.
The court sentenced him to seven years imprisonment each on Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 without the option of a fine.
He also received three years imprisonment on Count 4 with an option of a ₦10 million fine, while Count 5 attracted two years imprisonment without an option of a fine.
Justice Omotosho ordered that all sentences run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.
