EFCC nabs Saleh Mamman after conviction, seals Kaduna property

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, following his recent conviction and sentencing by the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged financial misappropriation while in office.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that Mamman was arrested at about 3:30am on Tuesday in Kaduna State during an operation that also led to the arrest of two other individuals said to have been providing him protection.

According to the anti-graft agency, the arrest followed a court order directing security agencies to ensure the former minister is taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.

Olukoyede disclosed that operatives tracked Mamman to a residence in Kaduna, which has since been sealed and is now under investigation.

He added that the two persons arrested alongside the former minister are currently being interrogated to determine their level of involvement and possible assistance in attempts to shield him from arrest.

The EFCC said investigations would also extend to the property where Mamman was apprehended, as part of efforts to establish any links to obstruction or concealment.

The arrest comes days after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Mamman in connection with alleged money laundering and diversion of funds linked to major power projects.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had reportedly sentenced the former minister to 75 years in prison over a ₦33.8 billion fraud case involving the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

The court also ordered that the sentence take effect from the date of his arrest, while directing security agencies, including Interpol, to locate and hand him over to the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Mamman was convicted on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy and money laundering after being found guilty of offences committed while serving as Minister of Power.

The EFCC said the enforcement of the judgment has now commenced, with further investigations ongoing to ensure full compliance with the court’s ruling.