The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State after weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations.
Mamman was reportedly apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following his alleged disappearance after being convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja on corruption-related charges.
Speaking on the development, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said the anti-graft agency was determined to ensure the former minister serves his jail term.
According to him, Justice James Omotosho had on May 7, 2026, convicted Mamman on 12 counts linked to the alleged diversion of funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Olukoyede stated that the court found the former minister guilty after the EFCC successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, leading to his conviction in absentia.
He added that the Commission intensified efforts to track and arrest Mamman after he allegedly went underground following the judgment.
The court held that Mamman and his associates diverted over N22 billion meant for critical electricity projects, describing the act as a major abuse of public trust.
Justice Omotosho also ruled that proxy companies and associates were allegedly used to siphon public funds intended for national infrastructure development.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, oversaw major power projects including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric schemes.
Following his conviction, the court ordered his arrest and directed that he be produced for sentencing on May 13, 2026. However, he failed to appear, prompting the court to proceed with sentencing in his absence.
Justice Omotosho subsequently sentenced the former minister to multiple prison terms across the 12-count charge, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.
In addition to the conviction, Mamman is also standing trial before the Federal Capital Territory High Court over an alleged N31 billion fraud case.
On May 11, 2026, Justice Maryanne Anenih reportedly issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court in the ongoing matter involving him and seven other defendants.
Experienced broadcast journalist with over 5 years of experience in reporting, multimedia editing, and storytelling across both traditional and digital media. I currently work with Vision FM 92.1 and Daily Frontier, where I report on security, conflict, and humanitarian issues, while also translating news into Hausa and Pidgin to reach wider audiences.
I also serve as a correspondent for Daily Frontier in Plateau and Benue States, Nigeria, covering security, conflict, and humanitarian developments in the region.
I hold a Diploma in Mass Communication from Adamawa State Polytechnic and a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria.
