The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, following his conviction and 75-year jail sentence over a N22 billion fraud linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Arrest Details
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed that Mamman was arrested around 3:30 a.m. in Kaduna and is currently in the custody of the anti-graft agency. The arrest came after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, ordered security agencies to apprehend the former minister wherever he may be found following his conviction on corruption-related charges.
Court Conviction
Justice Omotosho had on Wednesday convicted Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering and diversion of public funds amounting to about N22 billion. The court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the former minister to various prison terms across the counts, which are to run consecutively, bringing the total jail term to 75 years.
The judge further ruled that the sentence would take effect from the date of Mamman’s arrest. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all monies and properties recovered from the convict to the Federal Government and directed him to refund the outstanding balance of the diverted funds traced to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.
Prosecution Background
The EFCC had prosecuted Mamman over alleged fraudulent transactions and diversion of funds earmarked for critical electricity infrastructure projects under the Ministry of Power. The Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects are among Nigeria’s flagship electricity expansion initiatives aimed at boosting national power generation and improving energy supply.
More details later.
