Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who had been declared wanted after fleeing following his conviction for corruption, has been arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in a dramatic early-morning operation in Rigasa, Kaduna State.
The arrest was confirmed on Tuesday by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during a press briefing at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Olukoyede, EFCC operatives tracked Mamman to a residence in Rigasa where he was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. alongside two associates believed to have assisted him while he was evading arrest.
Mamman had reportedly gone into hiding after the Federal High Court convicted him on multiple counts of money laundering and financial diversion involving funds meant for critical power infrastructure projects.
The former minister was sentenced to 75 years imprisonment after being found guilty of 12 counts linked to the alleged diversion of about N33.8 billion tied to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects two major electricity projects expected to improve Nigeria’s power supply.
Investigators said the funds were allegedly siphoned through fraudulent transactions and laundering schemes during Mamman’s time in office as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Addressing journalists, Olukoyede described the arrest as proof of the federal government’s resolve to pursue corruption cases regardless of status or influence.
“I am happy to announce to Nigerians that at about 3:30 a.m. this morning, we arrested Mr. Saleh Mamman,” he said.
He added that the EFCC would continue to pursue individuals accused of diverting public resources, stressing that no suspect would escape justice.
“This is a test of the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the fight against corruption and to assure Nigerians that anyone who has dipped into government resources will not go unpunished,” Olukoyede stated.
“The eagle eye of the EFCC will always catch up with you wherever you are hiding.”
The EFCC chairman further disclosed that the property where Mamman was arrested is currently under investigation as authorities seek to determine whether it was used as a safe house during his period on the run.
He also reiterated the commission’s determination to intensify investigations into corruption cases involving both public officials and private individuals.
“We are working. There is no area that we will not go into. We will not leave any area untouched to ensure that we fulfil our mandate,” Olukoyede said.
The arrest has generated widespread public reaction, with many Nigerians viewing it as a significant development in the country’s anti-corruption campaign, particularly because the case involves billions of naira allegedly diverted from projects considered vital to national development and electricity generation.
Analysts say the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s struggling power sector, and the alleged diversion of funds contributed to delays in infrastructure delivery and worsening electricity challenges across the country.
With Mamman now back in EFCC custody, attention is expected to shift to possible further investigations, including the role of accomplices and the recovery of allegedly diverted assets.
