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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Kaduna State after weeks of surveillance following his conviction over a N33.8bn fraud case linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
The anti-graft agency said Mamman was arrested around 3:30 a.m. in the Rigasa area of Kaduna after investigators tracked his phone to an apartment where he was allegedly hiding. Two other suspects accused of harbouring the former minister were also taken into custody and are currently under investigation.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the arrest as proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting corruption. “The eagle eye of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will always catch up with you wherever you are hiding,” he said.
Mamman had been sentenced in absentia by a Federal High Court in Abuja last week after he was convicted on 12 counts of money laundering and fraud. Olukoyede said the commission immediately activated intelligence and surveillance operations after the judgment was delivered, leading to the former minister’s arrest in Kaduna days later.
The EFCC chairman explained that the convict remained in the commission’s custody because the arrest was only recently carried out and arrangements were ongoing for his transfer to a correctional facility in line with the court order. He also revealed that additional assets linked to Mamman had been uncovered as investigations continue.
Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, said security agencies had been directed to ensure the former minister had “no hiding place.” The EFCC also announced plans to tighten surveillance on high-profile suspects undergoing trial to prevent future attempts to evade justice.
