Nigerian Anti-Corruption Agency Arrests Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman After 75-Year Sentence

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the arrest of Saleh Mamman, the nation's former Power Minister, in Kaduna state on Tuesday morning. This follows his sentencing in absentia to 75 years in prison earlier this month on corruption charges.

Mamman was convicted on 12 counts relating to the diversion of at least NGN#22bn ($14m; £10m) allocated for two hydroelectric power schemes. Prosecutors successfully demonstrated that Mamman and his associates utilised proxy companies to siphon public funds, described by the presiding judge as a gross abuse of public trust. The multiple prison terms are to run consecutively, totalling 75 years.

The EFCC stated Mamman had been in hiding since his conviction by an Abuja court. His apprehension, following "weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering," signifies a rare enforcement action against high-level corruption within the West African nation.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasised the agency's resolve to ensure Mamman serves his sentence, stating it is "extremely important in view of the seriousness with which we are tackling corrupt practices."

Mamman, who served as Power Minister from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, also faces a separate corruption trial in Abuja concerning allegations of NGN#31bn fraud. An arrest warrant was issued in that case earlier this month after his failure to appear in court.

The conviction underscores ongoing public frustrations with Nigeria's persistent electricity shortages, despite its status as a significant energy producer. Many citizens rely on costly fuel generators due to frequent blackouts, exacerbating economic hardship.