Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman in Kaduna State after weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations.
Mamman was convicted on 12 counts of money laundering and fraud involving N33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.
A Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced him in absentia to 75 years imprisonment last week after he failed to appear in court.
According to sources within the anti-graft agency, EFCC operatives launched a nationwide manhunt immediately after the judgment.
Investigators reportedly tracked the former minister through his mobile phone and eventually located him in an apartment in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State.
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Two individuals accused of sheltering the former minister were also arrested and are currently under investigation.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed that Mamman was arrested around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Olukoyede described the arrest as proof of the Federal Government’s determination to fight corruption and ensure that public officials who misuse government resources are brought to justice.
He explained that although Mamman had already been convicted, sentencing was delayed because the former minister was absent from court.
Following the sentencing in absentia on May 13, the EFCC intensified intelligence and surveillance efforts, which eventually led to his capture.
The EFCC chairman also clarified why Mamman remained in EFCC custody instead of a correctional facility, stating that the process of transferring him in line with the court order was ongoing.
Director of Public Prosecution Rotimi Oyedepo said the court had directed all security agencies to ensure the convicted former minister had no hiding place and ordered his immediate transfer to a correctional centre after his arrest.
Olukoyede further disclosed that the commission had uncovered additional assets allegedly linked to Mamman and would expand investigations into his properties and financial dealings.
He added that the EFCC plans to strengthen monitoring procedures for high-profile corruption suspects undergoing trial to prevent future attempts to evade justice.
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