Former Power Minister Arrested Following Fraud Conviction
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Mamman Saleh, a former Minister of Power, who was recently sentenced to 75 years in prison for his involvement in fraud and money laundering schemes amounting to N33.8 billion.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukyoede confirmed that Saleh was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State. He revealed details of the arrest during a press briefing in Abuja, noting that Saleh was taken into custody alongside two accomplices believed to be fleeing justice.
On May 13, Judge James Omotosho of the Federal High Court rendered a verdict in absentia against Saleh, convicting him on all 12 counts related to financial misconduct. The sentences included seven years for the 10th count of fraud, three years for the fourth count, and two years for the fifth count. Omotosho mandated that these sentences run consecutively and stipulated that no fines would be permitted as an alternative to imprisonment.
Omotosho had instructed all security agencies nationwide to locate and apprehend Saleh, emphasizing that his prison term would commence upon his arrest. Just days after the warrant was issued, EFCC operatives tracked down the fugitive in Kaduna.
Chairman Olukoede remarked, “Since the sentencing on the 13th, our efforts included launching intelligence surveillance to find him.” He reiterated the EFCC’s dedication to holding accountable anyone who misappropriates government resources, declaring this arrest a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to combating corruption.
He assured Nigerians that the EFCC is determined to pursue and apprehend individuals evading the law, stating, “No stone will be left unturned in our efforts to fulfill our mandate.” The chairman confirmed that Saleh is presently in custody and will soon be transferred to a correctional facility. The EFCC is also investigating the individuals arrested alongside him, as well as property owners implicated in harboring the fugitive.
In light of this high-profile case, Olukoede mentioned a review of the EFCC’s procedures for handling defendants awaiting trial for corruption. He stressed, “It is crucial to maintain close surveillance on all defendants in corruption cases to prevent them from evading justice.”
In addition to the prison sentences, Judge Omotosho ordered the forfeiture of foreign currency seized from Saleh and directed that four properties in Abuja, linked to the former minister, also be reclaimed. Furthermore, he instructed Saleh to repay N22 billion in connection with alleged irregularities tied to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects, highlighting the seriousness of the financial misconduct.
Saleh, along with other ministry officials and private companies, was indicted in July 2024, facing accusations of laundering money and conspiring to misappropriate funds intended for significant infrastructure projects. This case serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing efforts to tackle corruption within Nigeria’s financial and political landscapes.
