The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, weeks after he was convicted and sentenced in absentia over alleged financial crimes involving power sector funds.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede announced the arrest on Tuesday during a media briefing in Abuja, revealing that Mamman was apprehended in Kaduna at about 3:30 a.m.
According to the anti-graft agency, the former minister had been evading authorities following his conviction by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Olukoyede said two other individuals suspected of harbouring Mamman were also arrested during the operation and are currently under investigation.
A Federal High Court had on May 13 sentenced Mamman to 75 years imprisonment after convicting him on 12 counts of money laundering and fraud amounting to N33.8 billion.
The offences were linked to the alleged diversion of funds allocated to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
Speaking on the arrest, Olukoyede described it as a significant development in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
“This is a test of the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the fight against corruption in Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the EFCC had intensified intelligence and surveillance operations after Mamman went into hiding following his conviction.
The EFCC boss assured Nigerians that individuals accused or convicted of financial crimes would not escape justice.
“The eagle eye of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will always catch up with you wherever you are hiding,” he stated.
Olukoyede confirmed that the former minister was currently in EFCC custody and that arrangements were being made for his transfer to prison authorities.
He also disclosed that investigators were examining the role played by the two individuals arrested with Mamman, as well as the ownership of the property where he was found.
According to him, harbouring a convicted person constitutes a criminal offence.
The EFCC chairman further revealed that additional assets allegedly connected to Mamman had been identified and would form part of ongoing investigations.
He added that the commission intended to strengthen monitoring and surveillance measures for individuals standing trial in corruption-related cases to prevent future escape attempts.
“Going forward, there is a need for us to review our processes, particularly as it relates to ongoing court proceedings,” Olukoyede said.
