Breaking: Economic And Financial Crimes Commission Arrests Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Over Alleged Fraud

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that Mamman was arrested at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to the commission, the former minister was apprehended in Kaduna State alongside two individuals believed to have been assisting or protecting him.

Olukoyede said the arrest followed the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which had ordered security agencies to ensure Mamman’s arrest and enforcement of the sentence delivered against him.

He added that the property where Mamman was arrested is now under investigation as part of ongoing inquiries by the commission.

The two individuals arrested with him are also being interrogated to determine their involvement and connection to the former minister.

The arrest comes days after Mamman was convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges relating to money laundering and diversion of funds linked to power sector projects.

He was found guilty of financial crimes committed while serving as Minister of Power.

The court had ruled that his sentence would take effect from the date of his arrest, prompting security agencies to begin efforts to track him down.

The EFCC said the residence where he was arrested has become part of its investigative focus, with officials examining whether it was used to conceal or shield him from arrest.

Although full details of the investigation have not been disclosed, authorities say further findings are expected from ongoing interrogations.

In a related judgment delivered on May 13, 2026, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, sentenced Mamman to 75 years in prison over an alleged ₦33.8 billion fraud case.

He was convicted on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy and money laundering linked to major power projects, including the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric schemes.

The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively and directed that they take effect from the date of his arrest.

It also instructed security agencies, including Interpol, to arrest Mamman wherever he was found and ensure he is handed over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to serve his sentence.

Mamman was sentenced in absentia after being found guilty on all 12 counts filed by the EFCC.