EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, revealing that Mamman was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. after reportedly evading authorities following his conviction. A video released by the anti-graft agency showed officials taking the former minister into custody.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, had earlier been convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on 12 counts bordering on fraud and money laundering.
Justice James Omotosho had sentenced the former minister to 75 years in prison after finding him guilty of illegally diverting public funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects. The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
According to court documents, Mamman was accused of laundering approximately N33.8 billion through private companies and associates while overseeing critical electricity infrastructure projects. Prosecutors also alleged that he made large cash transactions outside regulated financial institutions, including a reported payment of $655,700 in cash.
Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman On All 12 Counts Of ₦33.8bn Fraud, Issues Arrest Warrant As He Flees
The former minister was convicted in absentia after failing to appear in court during sentencing proceedings, prompting authorities to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. Reports indicated that he had gone into hiding shortly after the judgment was delivered.
Reuters reported that the EFCC also arrested two individuals accused of helping shield Mamman while he was on the run, with investigations ongoing into the property where he was eventually captured.
The case has attracted significant public attention because it involves funds earmarked for Nigeria’s troubled electricity sector, where billions of naira have been invested over the years despite persistent power shortages nationwide.
Analysts say the arrest and conviction represent one of the most high-profile anti-corruption actions involving a former cabinet minister in recent years, as authorities continue efforts to strengthen accountability in public office.
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