The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over his alleged involvement in a N33.8 billion fraud linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The development comes six days after a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Mamman to about 75 years imprisonment in absentia, after convicting him on a 12-count amended charge bordering on money laundering involving more than N33 billion.
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Olukoyede disclosed that the former minister was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in Kaduna State alongside two individuals allegedly shielding him from arrest.
“I’m happy to announce to Nigerians that at about 3:30 a.m. this morning, we arrested Mr. Saleh Mamman somewhere in Kaduna,” he said.
The EFCC chairman described the arrest as further evidence of the government’s determination to combat corruption and hold public officials accountable for the misappropriation of public funds.
“The eagle eye of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will always catch up with you wherever you are hiding,” Olukoyede added.
He stated that the anti-graft agency would continue to investigate and prosecute both public and private sector actors implicated in corruption-related offences.
Olukoyede also revealed that the property where Mamman was arrested is under investigation, while additional assets allegedly linked to the former minister have been identified by the commission.
According to him, the EFCC has intensified surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts targeting high-profile corruption suspects to prevent accused persons from evading justice during court proceedings.
Background
The case against Mamman began in January 2025 when the EFCC filed charges alleging that he diverted funds earmarked for the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
The commission accused the former minister of laundering and converting more than N33 billion intended for the execution of the critical power infrastructure projects.
According to the EFCC, the prosecution lasted approximately 14 to 15 months before the court secured convictions on all 12 counts.
Olukoyede explained that the court’s judgment process was delayed after Mamman repeatedly failed to appear for sentencing proceedings.
However, on May 13, the Federal High Court in Abuja proceeded to sentence him after finding him guilty of money laundering and fraud-related offences connected to the diversion of public funds.
The court subsequently directed security agencies to locate the convict and ensure his transfer to a correctional facility.
Speaking at the briefing, Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, said arrangements were already underway to transfer Mamman to a correctional centre following his arrest.
Sector implications
The arrest comes amid ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s power sector, which has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, underinvestment and corruption allegations despite successive reform efforts.
The development also follows the resignation of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who stepped down to pursue elective office.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu subsequently appointed Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe as the new Minister of Power.
The arrest also coincides with growing financial pressure on electricity distribution companies after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission directed DisCos to refund N20.33 billion to customers who purchased prepaid meters under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
The latest developments have renewed scrutiny of financial management and governance practices within Nigeria’s electricity industry.
