EFCC Arrests Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman After 75-Year Jail Sentence
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, following his recent conviction over alleged corruption and money laundering.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that Mamman was arrested at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in Kaduna.
The arrest came shortly after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered security agencies to apprehend the former minister wherever he may be found, following his conviction.
Last Wednesday, the court found Mamman guilty on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and the diversion of public funds estimated at about ₦22 billion.
Justice Omotosho held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently sentenced the former minister to various prison terms on each count, which are to run consecutively, amounting to a total of 75 years imprisonment.
The judge also ruled that the sentence would take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest.
In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of all funds and properties recovered from him to the Federal Government, and directed that he refund the outstanding balance of the diverted money linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
The EFCC had prosecuted Mamman over allegations of fraudulent transactions and the diversion of funds meant for critical electricity infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Power.
The Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects are key national initiatives aimed at boosting Nigeria’s electricity generation and improving power supply across the country.
