Former Nigerian Power Minister Saleh Mamman Arrested After Week in Hiding
Authorities apprehended Mamman in Kaduna state after he failed to appear for his 75-year sentencing. He was convicted of diverting $14 million meant for power projects.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links, newsroom standards, and correction details are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission arrested Saleh Mamman in Kaduna following weeks of surveillance.
- Mamman was sentenced in absentia to a total of 75 years in prison for diverting 22 billion naira from hydroelectric projects.
- The former minister faces an additional, separate trial involving the alleged fraud of 31 billion naira.
What happened
Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arrested former Power Minister Saleh Mamman on Tuesday morning. Mamman had been in hiding since an Abuja court sentenced him to 75 years in prison earlier this month for 12 counts related to the diversion of public funds.
What's new in this update
The EFCC confirmed that the arrest took place in northern Kaduna state after weeks of intelligence gathering. Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized that ensuring the convict serves his jail term is a priority for the agency in its effort to tackle high-level corrupt practices. The arrest follows Mamman’s failure to appear in court for his sentencing, which prompted an immediate warrant.
Key details
The court ruled that Mamman and his associates diverted at least 22 billion naira (approximately $14 million) intended for critical hydroelectric electricity projects. The judge described the use of proxy companies to siphon funds as a gross abuse of public trust. Mamman received multiple prison terms for the charges, which the court ordered to be served consecutively.
Background and context
Mamman served as Nigeria's power minister from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. Despite his promises to fix the nation's energy infrastructure, Nigeria remains one of Africa's most energy-challenged producers, with frequent blackouts that force businesses and residents to rely on increasingly expensive fuel generators.
What to watch next
In addition to serving his 75-year sentence, Mamman faces a separate corruption trial in Abuja regarding allegations of fraud totaling 31 billion naira. Authorities are expected to move him into custody immediately to begin his sentence while proceeding with the secondary legal case.
Why this matters
This arrest marks a significant and rare follow-through in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts involving high-ranking officials and public infrastructure funds.
Reader context
This story belongs to Northstar Herald's International Relations coverage, with related entities including Nigeria, EFCC, Saleh Mamman, Corruption. The report is based on BBC World News source material.
Related coverage
Why it matters
This arrest marks a significant and rare follow-through in Nigeria's anti-corruption efforts involving high-ranking officials and public infrastructure funds.
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