Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC), has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh

Mamman in Kaduna State, days after he was sentenced to 75 years

imprisonment over a multi-billion naira fraud case linked to major power

projects.

The arrest took place in the early hours of Tuesday in the Rigasa area of

Kaduna, according to EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who confirmed that

operatives tracked the former minister to a property where he had allegedly

been hiding. Two other individuals found with him were also arrested as

investigations continue into claims that he was being shielded from

authorities.

Mr Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under former President

Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, had recently been convicted

by a Federal High Court in Abuja on 12 counts related to money laundering

and fraud involving funds tied to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric

power projects.

According to court findings, the case involved the diversion of about ₦33.8

billion meant for critical electricity infrastructure projects. Justice James

Omotosho sentenced the former minister in absentia after he failed to

appear before the court during the final stages of the trial.

Reports say the court handed him seven years imprisonment on several

counts, with the sentences expected to run consecutively, bringing the total

sentence to 75 years. Authorities also ordered the forfeiture of properties

and foreign currencies allegedly linked to the case.

The Mambilla and Zungeru power projects are among Nigeria’s most

ambitious electricity initiatives and were designed to help improve power

generation across the country. However, both projects have faced years of

delays, funding controversies and corruption allegations.

The EFCC says the arrest demonstrates the government’s commitment to

pursuing corruption cases involving high-ranking public officials. Speaking

after the operation, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said the agency would

continue to track individuals accused of diverting public resources,

regardless of their status.

The case has already generated widespread reactions online, with many

Nigerians describing it as one of the country’s most significant recent

anti-corruption developments involving a former cabinet member.

© 2026 Aliu Azeema | TalkAfricang.com