The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who had been evading justice following his conviction by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The arrest occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Abuja, after intelligence-led operations by the EFCC. The commission confirmed that the operation aimed to enforce a court judgment sentencing Mamman for corruption linked to major power projects.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated, “We are committed to ensuring he serves his sentence,” emphasizing that Mamman was tracked and arrested to uphold the court’s ruling.
On May 7, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court found Mamman guilty on 12 counts of diverting funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla power projects. The prosecution presented evidence that billions of naira were misappropriated through various channels, which the defense failed to counter.
Mamman, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021, received multiple jail terms that are to run consecutively, amounting to a total of 75 years in prison. He had initially evaded the court when his sentencing was announced and was later convicted in absentia.
In addition, another court in Abuja has issued an arrest order for Mamman in a separate corruption case involving alleged financial misconduct.