EFCC Nabs Convicted Ex-Minister Mamman Over N33bn Fraud Case

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

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed the arrest on Tuesday during a media briefing in Abuja, saying Mamman was picked up at about 3:30 a.m. in Kaduna after coordinated intelligence and surveillance operations.

According to Olukoyede, Mamman was sentenced in absentia on 12 counts after a court found him guilty, following earlier charges filed in January 2025 over the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated to critical power infrastructure 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, adding that sentencing was initially delayed due to the defendant’s absence.

He explained that after the sentencing, EFCC intensified efforts to track and apprehend the former minister, leading to his arrest early Tuesday morning.

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

Olukoyede described the arrest as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to anti-corruption enforcement, warning that public officials involved in financial misconduct would eventually be brought to justice regardless of time or location.

He confirmed that Mamman is currently in EFCC custody, adding that two other individuals were also arrested during the operation for allegedly harbouring him.

“We discovered that he was actually being protected… it is a crime to harbour, protect or provide shelter for a convicted felon,” he said.

The EFCC boss also revealed that investigators are tracking additional assets suspected to be linked to the former minister, including newly discovered properties.

He added that the Commission would review its operational procedures to ensure better monitoring of defendants in high-profile corruption cases to prevent escape during trial.

The prosecution team, led by Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), confirmed that the court had earlier directed security agencies to ensure Mamman’s arrest following his conviction, describing the latest development as compliance with judicial orders.