EFCC Arrests Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman After 75-Year Jail Sentence

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his conviction and sentencing in absentia over a multi-billion naira fraud case linked to major power projects in Nigeria.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed that the former minister was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday after weeks of intelligence surveillance by the anti-graft agency. According to the commission, Mamman had gone into hiding after a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on corruption and money laundering charges involving funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

Justice James Omotosho had earlier sentenced Mamman to 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty on all 12 counts brought against him by the EFCC. The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved that billions of naira allocated for critical electricity infrastructure projects were diverted through proxy companies and associates.

Reports from multiple media outlets indicate that Mamman was arrested either in Kaduna or Kano during a coordinated operation carried out around 3:30 a.m. The EFCC also disclosed that two individuals suspected of shielding the former minister were arrested alongside him, while investigations into the property where he was found are ongoing.

Speaking on the arrest, Olukoyede described the operation as proof that public officials who divert government resources would eventually face justice, regardless of how long they evade authorities. He added that the commission may strengthen surveillance on high-profile defendants undergoing corruption trials to prevent future escape attempts.

The case has drawn national attention because it involves the controversial Mambilla hydroelectric project, one of Nigeria’s largest and longest-delayed power projects. Analysts say the arrest could temporarily boost public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign, while also exposing weaknesses in monitoring politically exposed persons facing criminal prosecution.