The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, said it had 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.
Mamman’s arrest came less than a week after a court ordered security agencies to apprehend him following his conviction on 12 counts linked to the alleged fraud.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, announced the arrest during a media briefing in Abuja. He said the former minister was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. in Kaduna after intensified intelligence and surveillance operations.
Olukoyede said: “Ladies and gentlemen, 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.
“However, because the main defendant was not present, the issue of sentencing was deferred.
“On the 13th of this month, he was sentenced in absentia. 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 described the arrest as proof of the Federal Government’s resolve to fight corruption, warning that public officials accused of looting public funds would eventually face justice.
He said: “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.
“The eagle eye of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will always catch up with you wherever you are.”
He added that the commission would leave no stone unturned in investigating and prosecuting anyone found to have stolen public funds.
Asked whether Mamman was in EFCC custody, Olukoyede replied: “Yes, he is in our custody at the moment.”
On whether the convict had been transferred to a correctional facility, the EFCC chairman said the process was ongoing because the arrest took place in the early hours of Tuesday.
“That is fine. I told you the man was arrested at about 3:30 a.m. this morning, and there was no way we could immediately take him to a correctional facility. We have our own facilities,” he said.
