EFCC Arrests Convicted Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman in Kaduna

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Saleh Mamman, a recently convicted former Power Minister, in a pre-dawn raid on Tuesday in Kaduna. This arrest follows his conviction and sentencing by an Abuja Federal High Court for theft and financial misappropriation while in office.

It's a significant development, given that Mamman was convicted of laundering and diverting ₦33.8 billion in public funds, which were originally allocated for major national infrastructure developments, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that operatives also detained two accomplices at the scene who are believed to have been shielding Mamman from law enforcement. They're being held for questioning.

Mamman's arrest comes after he was sentenced to a total of 75 years in prison across 12 counts by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The judge explicitly ordered the sentences to run consecutively rather than concurrently, resulting in the full 75 years instead of just the maximum single count of 7 years. The court ordered the permanent forfeiture of recovered foreign currencies and four choice properties in Abuja linked to him. They also ordered him to refund the outstanding shortfall of ₦22 billion established during the trial.

Saleh Mamman is a former Power Minister who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. Before his appointment, Mamman had a career in the private sector, working with various companies in the energy and finance industries. His tenure as Power Minister was marked by controversy, with allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds. He didn't fulfill his duties as expected, and his actions led to the stagnation of several projects.

The EFCC had been investigating Mamman for several months, following allegations of financial impropriety. They discovered that Mamman had diverted billions of naira meant for the development of the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. The projects, which were intended to provide electricity to millions of Nigerians, were stalled due to the lack of funds. The EFCC won't tolerate such actions, and they're taking steps to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The EFCC has launched a full investigation into the house where the arrest was made, as authorities probe possible links to Mamman's alleged offences. The commission will work to ensure that the forfeited properties and funds are recovered and returned to the government. They'll continue to investigate and prosecute other individuals involved in the corruption scandal. They don't want anyone to escape justice.

The arrest of Saleh Mamman sends a strong message that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable. As the EFCC continues to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals, it's essential for the government to ensure that the recovered funds are used for the benefit of the Nigerian people. They can't afford to waste any more resources.

The EFCC's efforts to combat corruption are crucial in restoring public trust in the government. As the commission continues to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals, it's essential for the government to ensure that the recovered funds are used to benefit the Nigerian people. This includes investing in critical infrastructure projects, such as the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects, which will provide electricity to millions of Nigerians. They're counting on the government to deliver.

The arrest of Saleh Mamman is a notable development in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. It's a reminder that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable, and it's essential for the government to ensure that the recovered funds are used for the benefit of the Nigerian people. The government won't tolerate corruption, and they'll take all necessary steps to prevent it.

'The EFCC will continue to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals, and we will ensure that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable,' said EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.

The EFCC's efforts to combat corruption are crucial in restoring public trust in the government. As the commission continues to investigate and prosecute corrupt individuals, it's essential for the government to ensure that the recovered funds are used to benefit the Nigerian people. They can't afford to waste any more resources. The government should invest in critical infrastructure projects, and they should ensure that the funds are used efficiently. They won't get any more chances to get it right.

The arrest of Saleh Mamman is a significant development in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. It's a reminder that those who engage in corrupt practices will be held accountable. The government should take all necessary steps to prevent corruption, and they should ensure that the recovered funds are used for the benefit of the Nigerian people. They're the ones who suffer when corruption occurs, and they're the ones who benefit when it's prevented. The government can't ignore their needs.