EFCC's Dragnet: Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Arrested, Faces Justice
Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has been arrested by the EFCC following his conviction and 75-year jail sentence for diverting N22 billion from hydroelectric power projects. Mamman, who had gone underground, was apprehended in Kaduna State, with the EFCC emphasizing its commitment to prosecuting corrupt officials. He faces additional fraud charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully apprehended Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, who had been at large since his conviction for corruption. Mr. Mamman was arrested by the EFCC in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, following an extensive intelligence operation. His mugshot was subsequently released by the commission.
Mamman's legal troubles began when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on May 7. The court found him guilty on all 12 counts related to the diversion of funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. The conviction was delivered in absentia after the prosecution, led by the EFCC, presented irrefutable evidence. The judge determined that Mamman and his associates had misappropriated at least N22 billion, relying on proxy companies and associates to illicitly benefit from public resources meant for vital national infrastructure, thereby breaching public trust.
Despite a court order for his arrest and appearance for sentencing on May 13, Mamman failed to appear. Consequently, Justice Omotosho proceeded with sentencing him in absentia. The judge imposed a severe cumulative prison term of 75 years. This was achieved by ordering that the sentences for each of the 12 counts run consecutively rather than concurrently. Specifically, Mamman received seven years’ imprisonment on counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 without a fine option, a three-year jail term on Count 4 with an option of a N10 million fine, and two years’ imprisonment on Count 5 without a fine option. This tough stance against a corrupt official underscores the gravity of his offenses.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed the arrest at a press briefing, emphasizing the commission's resolve to ensure that convicted individuals serve their jail terms to effectively combat corrupt practices. He stated that the EFCC would facilitate Mr. Mamman's transfer to a correctional facility. Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, overseeing Nigeria’s power sector and these critical federal hydroelectric projects.
In addition to this conviction, Mr. Mamman faces further legal challenges. An arrest warrant was issued by the FCT High Court in Abuja on May 11 for his absence from proceedings in another N31 billion fraud trial, involving him and seven other individuals. The EFCC remains committed to bringing all those involved in corruption to justice.