The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, days after he was convicted and sentenced in absentia by the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged financial misappropriation linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed the development on Tuesday while addressing journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the former minister was arrested in Kaduna State at about 3:30 a.m. alongside two individuals suspected of shielding him from security agencies.
“I’m happy to announce to Nigerians that at about 3:30 a.m. this morning, we arrested Mr. Saleh Mamman,” Olukoyede said.
The former minister was last week sentenced to 75 years imprisonment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, after being found guilty on 12 counts bordering on money laundering and fraud involving N33.8 billion.
The charges were connected to the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects during his tenure as Minister of Power.
Olukoyede described the arrest as a strong indication of the Federal Government’s resolve to sustain the fight against corruption and ensure accountability in public service.
“This is a test of the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the fight against corruption and to assure Nigerians that anyone who has dipped into government or national resources will not go unpunished,” he stated.
“The eagle eye of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will always catch up with you wherever you are hiding.”
The EFCC chairman further disclosed that the property where the former minister was apprehended is currently under investigation as part of ongoing intelligence and asset recovery operations.
He explained that the anti-graft agency had instituted charges against Mamman in January 2025 over the alleged diversion of more than N33 billion meant for critical power infrastructure projects.
“Even before May 24, sometime in January 2025, we filed charges against the former Minister of Power for allegedly converting over N33 billion 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 a conviction on all 12 counts.”
According to him, sentencing was initially delayed because the defendant failed to appear in court, prompting the court to eventually proceed with judgment in absentia.
“Because the main defendant was not present, the issue of sentencing was shifted, and on the 13th of this month, he was sentenced in absentia,” he added.
Olukoyede said the EFCC immediately activated its intelligence, surveillance and recovery mechanisms after the conviction to track the former minister.
“Since then, we have intensified our Intelligence, Surveillance and Recovery operations in search of him across the country,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to investigate corruption cases involving both public and private individuals without fear or favour.
“We are working. There is no area we will not go into. We will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling our mandate,” he said.
“We will uphold our responsibility and ensure that every individual, whether in the public or private sector, is investigated and brought before the law where necessary.”
Also speaking, the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the court had directed all relevant security agencies to ensure that the convict had no hiding place and ordered his transfer to a correctional facility following his conviction.
“The process of transmitting him to the correctional centre is already ongoing. The Commission has not only arrested him but is ensuring that the sentence of the court is fully executed,” Oyedepo stated.
On the possibility of prosecuting individuals who allegedly harboured the fugitive, EFCC officials said investigations were ongoing and warned that anyone found culpable would face legal consequences.
Olukoyede further disclosed that the commission had uncovered additional assets allegedly linked to the former minister and would expand its investigations accordingly.
He also indicated that the EFCC would review its operational procedures in handling high-profile corruption cases to prevent suspects from evading trial or escaping from the country.
“Going forward, there is a need for us to review our processes, particularly regarding ongoing criminal proceedings,” he said.
“For every high-profile corruption case, defendants may need to be placed under closer surveillance because it is not in the interest of the country for persons standing criminal trial to escape from jurisdiction.
“We will continue to work with the courts and follow all legal and judicial procedures to ensure that defendants in criminal matters remain within reach of the law,” Olukoyede added.
