By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in connection with an ongoing corruption case involving alleged diversion of ₦33.8 billion in public funds.
According to reports the former minister had recently been convicted over allegations linked to the misappropriation of funds earmarked for critical national power projects after which he allegedly fled and has been in hiding since.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was first drawn into investigation following allegations of large scale mismanagement of funds earmarked for critical electricity projects across the country.
However the EFCC alleged that billions of naira allocated for major infrastructure schemes in the power sector, including hydropower projects such as the Mambilla and Zungeru initiatives, were diverted through a network of companies and bureau de change operators.
Investigators further claimed that the funds were allegedly converted into foreign currency and moved through various channels, raising concerns over accountability in Nigeria’s power sector spending leading to his removal from office in 2021 amid growing scrutiny of the power ministry’s expenditure profile and subsequent anti-corruption investigations.
The case later progressed to court, where Mamman was arraigned on multiple counts bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and alleged diversion of public funds. The trial featured several witnesses and documentary exhibits presented by the EFCC.
In a recent judgment, he was convicted in connection with the ₦33.8 billion fraud allegations, a ruling that marked one of the most high-profile convictions involving a former federal cabinet minister in recent years.
Following the conviction, the EFCC intensified efforts to ensure enforcement of the court’s decision, leading to his arrest as confirmed by the commission’s chairman.
The anti-graft agency is expected to proceed with further enforcement actions, including custody procedures and compliance with sentencing directives, as the case continues to draw national attention over corruption in Nigeria’s power sector.