Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency has arrested former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, one week after a court sentenced him in absentia to 75 years in prison on corruption charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that Mamman was captured early Tuesday in Kaduna state, following what officials described as “weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.”
The former minister had disappeared after being convicted earlier this month in the capital, Abuja, on 12 counts related to the diversion of funds intended for two hydroelectric power projects. The court ruled that prosecutors had proven their case beyond reasonable doubt.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said authorities were determined to see the former minister serve his sentence.
“For us, getting the convict to serve his jail terms is extremely important in view of the seriousness with which we are tackling corrupt practices,” he said.
The presiding judge noted that the EFCC had demonstrated that Mamman and his associates diverted at least 22 billion naira ($14 million) meant for critical electricity infrastructure, calling it “a gross abuse of public trust.”
Mamman’s prison terms on the multiple charges will run consecutively, totaling 75 years.
The former minister also faces a separate corruption trial in Abuja over allegations involving 31 billion naira. A judge previously issued an arrest warrant after Mamman failed to appear in that case.
Mamman served as Nigeria’s power minister from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. His conviction has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians frustrated by the country’s persistent electricity problems — issues he had pledged to address while in office.
Despite being one of Africa’s largest energy producers, Nigeria continues to experience frequent blackouts that disrupt homes and businesses, forcing many to rely on expensive fuel generators.
