EFCC arrests ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman over N33bn fraud conviction

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, days after he was sentenced in absentia over the alleged diversion of more than N33 billion meant for the Mambilla power project and other electricity schemes.

 

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, announced the arrest during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday.

 

According to him, Mamman was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. in Kaduna following intensified intelligence and surveillance operations by the commission.

 

Olukoyede said the former minister had earlier been convicted on 12 counts after charges were filed against him in January 2025.

 

“You will recall that sometime in January 2025, charges were finally filed against the former Minister for allegedly obtaining over N33 billion meant for the Mambilla and other power projects.

 

“About 14 or 15 months down the line, specifically on the 7th of this month, we secured conviction on all 12 counts,” he said.

 

He explained that sentencing was initially delayed because the defendant was absent from court, but the court eventually sentenced him in absentia on May 13.

 

“Since then, we have intensified our intelligence, surveillance and recovery operations in search of him.

 

“I am happy to announce to Nigerians that at about 3:30 a.m. this morning, we arrested Mr Saleh Mamman somewhere in Kaduna,” Olukoyede added.

 

The EFCC chairman described the arrest as proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting corruption.

 

“This is a testament to the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the fight against corruption and an assurance to Nigerians that anyone who has looted government and national resources will not go unpunished,” he said.

 

Olukoyede confirmed that Mamman is currently in EFCC custody, adding that arrangements were being made to transfer him to a correctional facility.

 

He also disclosed that two other persons were arrested during the operation for allegedly harbouring the former minister.

 

“We discovered that he was actually being protected. At the location where we effected the arrest, we arrested two other Nigerians, including individuals linked to the property where he was found,” he said.

 

The EFCC chairman added that the commission had uncovered another property suspected to belong to Mamman and was pursuing additional asset recovery linked to the case.

 

He further said the incident had exposed gaps in the handling of high-profile corruption cases, noting that the commission would review its processes to prevent suspects from escaping while standing trial.

 

Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, said the court had directed all security agencies to ensure Mamman’s arrest after his conviction.

 

“The important thing is that the conviction was not just symbolic. The judgment was delivered, the sentence was handed down, and now we have been able to confront the convict with the sentence,” Oyedepo stated.