How EFCC tracked and arrested former Power Minister Saleh Mamman after 75-year jail sentence
Saleh Mamman
The Economic Financial and Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance after he was sentenced in absentia to 75 years imprisonment over an alleged N33.8 billion fraud case linked to Nigeria’s power sector projects.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was reportedly apprehended in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State during an early morning operation conducted by EFCC operatives.
The arrest marks a major development in one of Nigeria’s high-profile corruption cases involving the alleged diversion of funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
According to EFCC officials, the former minister had been on the run before his eventual arrest at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
How EFCC Tracked Down Saleh Mamman in Kaduna
Sources within the anti-graft agency disclosed that operatives immediately launched a nationwide manhunt after a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Mamman on 12 counts of money laundering and fraud.
Investigators reportedly deployed surveillance operations and intelligence tracking techniques to locate the former minister after he failed to appear in court for sentencing.
According to officials familiar with the operation, the EFCC eventually traced Mamman through his mobile phone before locating him in a Kaduna apartment.
The agency also confirmed the arrest of two individuals accused of sheltering the former minister while he allegedly evaded law enforcement authorities.
An EFCC source said operatives intensified efforts immediately after the judgment was delivered, adding that the commission remained determined to ensure the convict faced the full consequences of the court ruling.
Saleh Mamman Sentenced to 75 Years Over N33.8bn Fraud
Earlier this month, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Mamman to 75 years imprisonment after finding him guilty on all 12 charges brought against him by the EFCC.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the former minister diverted public funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
The court sentenced Mamman to seven years imprisonment on several counts, while other counts attracted additional prison terms without the option of fine, except one count that carried a N10 million fine option.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of several assets, including foreign currencies and multiple Abuja properties traced to the former minister.
Security agencies, including Interpol, were further directed to assist in ensuring his arrest and enforcement of the sentence.
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Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman sentenced to 75 years for N33.8bn fraud
EFCC Chairman Speaks on Arrest of Former Minister
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the arrest as proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
Olukoyede stated that the commission activated intelligence and surveillance operations immediately after Mamman’s conviction and sentencing.
He warned that individuals accused or convicted of financial crimes would eventually be apprehended regardless of where they attempt to hide.
The EFCC chairman also confirmed that the former minister remains in custody pending his transfer to the appropriate correctional facility in line with the court order.
According to him, investigations are ongoing into the activities of the two individuals arrested alongside Mamman.
EFCC Vows Tougher Surveillance on High-Profile Defendants
Following the arrest, the commission announced plans to strengthen monitoring measures for high-profile corruption suspects undergoing trial.
Olukoyede said the EFCC would review its operational procedures to prevent future cases where defendants evade justice or flee jurisdictions during prosecution.
He stressed that closer collaboration with courts and security agencies would help ensure suspects remain under proper surveillance throughout ongoing criminal proceedings.
The anti-graft agency also revealed that additional investigations were underway into more properties allegedly connected to the former minister.
Officials indicated that fresh assets had already been uncovered as part of the expanding investigation.
Corruption Crackdown Intensifies in Nigeria
The arrest of Saleh Mamman comes amid renewed anti-corruption efforts by Nigerian authorities as the government seeks to strengthen accountability in public office.
The EFCC has repeatedly stated that it will continue pursuing politically exposed persons and public officials accused of diverting public resources.
The case has also sparked wider public conversations about transparency, infrastructure funding and accountability in Nigeria’s power sector, especially regarding major projects intended to improve electricity generation nationwide.
With Mamman now in EFCC custody, legal and correctional procedures are expected to continue in accordance with the court’s judgment.
FAQ
Who is Saleh Mamman?
Saleh Mamman is a former Nigerian Minister of Power who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Why was Saleh Mamman arrested?
Mamman was arrested by the EFCC after being convicted on 12 counts of money laundering and fraud involving approximately N33.8 billion allegedly diverted from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
Where was Saleh Mamman arrested?
The former minister was arrested in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State after EFCC operatives tracked him through intelligence gathering and surveillance operations.
How many years was Saleh Mamman sentenced to?
A Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Saleh Mamman to 75 years imprisonment in absentia after finding him guilty on multiple corruption-related charges.
What projects were linked to the fraud allegations?
The allegations were connected to the Mambilla Hydropower Project and the Zungeru Hydropower Project, two major electricity infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
Did the EFCC arrest anyone else?
Yes. The EFCC confirmed that two individuals suspected of sheltering or protecting the former minister were also arrested and are under investigation.
What did the court order against Saleh Mamman?
The court ordered his imprisonment, forfeiture of properties and foreign currencies linked to him, and directed security agencies to ensure his arrest.
Who is the current EFCC chairman?
The current chairman of the EFCC is Ola Olukoyede.
What did EFCC say after the arrest?
The EFCC said the arrest demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting corruption and warned that anyone who misappropriates public funds will eventually face justice.
What happens next in the Saleh Mamman case?
The former minister is currently in EFCC custody pending transfer to a correctional facility where he will begin serving his sentence according to the court order.