Saleh Mamman has been arrested by EFCC operatives after he reportedly went into hiding after being sentenced for a major corruption scandal.
Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed Saleh Mamman’s arrest during a media briefing held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Saleh Mamman arrested by EFCC, Mamman was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. in Rigasa, Kaduna State, after his location was traced following days of eluding arrest.
Why Was Saleh Mamman Arrested?
The former power minister was sentenced to 75 years in prison in absentia by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court sentenced him for committing 12 crimes related to:
- money laundering,
- fraud, and
- diversion of public funds.
The crimes were allegedly committed to the tune of ₦33.8 billion involving the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower plants.
Justice Omotosho reportedly found Saleh Mamman guilty of all charges.
EFCC Claims Mamman Was Evading
The EFCC alleged that Mamman had been evading the authorities following his conviction.
It was reported that the individual had been changing his:
- phone numbers,
- mobile phones, and
- SIM cards
to evade detection.
The anti-corruption body alleged that it had finally traced him to a property in Kaduna State where he was reportedly being harbored.
Two More Individuals Arrested
Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, stated that two other people had been arrested along with Mamman.
They are investigating the property from which the former minister had been arrested.
It is not yet clear who the other suspects are.
EFCC Issues Warning Against Corruption
While briefing the press on the development, the EFCC chairman stated that the arrest was a sign of the Nigerian government’s determination to fight corruption.
Olukoyede warned that anyone accused of misappropriation of public funds would ultimately be brought to book, no matter how much they evade the law.
As per the EFCC chairman:
“The eagle eye of the EFCC will always catch up with you wherever you are hiding.”
The Mambilla and Zungeru Project Scandal
This scandal relates to financial impropriety in connection with:
- The Mambilla power project,
- and the Zungeru power project.
These two power projects represent some of Nigeria’s biggest power projects in recent times and have been associated with delays, funding disputes, and corruption scandals for many years.
Next Steps?
Following the arrest of Mamman, officials expect to initiate steps related to enforcing his jail term.
Some legal experts predict that the former minister might still try to challenge certain aspects of the ruling in the coming weeks based on court procedures and filings.
Conclusion
Saleh Mamman, who once held the post of Power Minister of Nigeria, was recently arrested by the EFCC on the charge of fraud.
This will remain a relevant topic for Nigeria for some time to come as the EFCC continues with its fight against corruption.
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