The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who was recently sentenced to 75 years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged financial misappropriation.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this while addressing journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mamman was last week convicted in absentia on 12 counts bordering on money laundering and fraud involving N33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
Olukoyede said the former minister was arrested in Kaduna State at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday alongside two individuals allegedly shielding him from arrest.
He further disclosed that the property where the ex-minister was apprehended was also under investigation by the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC chairman described the arrest as proof of the Federal Government’s resolve to combat corruption and ensure that public officials who divert government funds are brought to justice.
He warned that individuals involved in the looting of public resources would eventually be tracked down by the commission regardless of where they hide.
Olukoyede also assured Nigerians that the EFCC would continue to investigate both public and private individuals accused of corruption, stressing that no sector would be spared in the agency’s anti-corruption drive.
He recalled that the commission had filed charges against Mamman in January 2025 over the alleged diversion of over N33 billion meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru power projects.
According to him, the commission secured conviction on all 12 counts after about 14 months of prosecution.
Olukoyede explained that sentencing was initially delayed because the former minister failed to appear in court, but judgment was eventually delivered in absentia on May 13, 2026.
Following the conviction, the EFCC chairman said the commission activated intelligence, surveillance and recovery operations to track down the former minister.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the court had directed security agencies to ensure the convict was apprehended and transferred to a correctional facility.
Oyedepo added that the process of transferring Mamman to the correctional centre was ongoing, noting that the EFCC had not only arrested him but had also commenced enforcement of the court’s sentence.
On possible prosecution of those alleged to have aided the fugitive, the EFCC said investigations were ongoing and warned that anyone found harbouring a convicted felon would face prosecution.
Olukoyede further disclosed that the commission would expand investigations into additional properties allegedly linked to the convict, adding that fresh assets had already been uncovered.
He also said the agency was considering stricter monitoring procedures for high-profile suspects undergoing trial to prevent future escape from jurisdiction.
