The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, over his alleged involvement in a N33.8 billion fraud linked to power sector projects in Nigeria.

The arrest comes months after Mamman was convicted in absentia on multiple counts bordering on the alleged diversion of public funds meant for critical electricity infrastructure, including the Mambilla Power Project and other national power initiatives.

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EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that the former minister was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State following weeks of intelligence-led surveillance operations.

According to him, Mamman had evaded arrest since his conviction and sentencing, prompting a sustained nationwide search by EFCC operatives.

He said the arrest represents a major breakthrough in the commission’s efforts to ensure that all individuals found guilty of financial crimes are brought to justice, regardless of their status or influence.

Two suspects arrested for allegedly harbouring ex-minister

The EFCC also disclosed that two other individuals were arrested during the operation for allegedly assisting and providing shelter to the former minister while he was on the run.

Investigators are currently questioning the suspects to determine the extent of their involvement in aiding a convicted fugitive.
Properties and assets under investigation
The anti-graft agency further revealed that it has identified additional properties suspected to be linked to Mamman, adding that asset recovery processes are already underway.

EFCC boss Olukoyede noted that the case has exposed weaknesses in monitoring high-profile corruption trials, adding that reforms would be introduced to prevent similar lapses in future cases.

Prosecutor confirms enforcement of court order

The Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said the arrest marks the enforcement of a court judgment, stating that Mamman’s conviction and sentence are now being fully implemented following his capture.

He added that the next step would be the ex-minister’s transfer to a correctional facility in line with legal procedures.

Bizteller recalls that Saleh Mamman was convicted over allegations of diverting funds allocated for major power projects, including the Mambilla hydroelectric scheme, one of Nigeria’s largest and most strategic energy investments.

The EFCC says the arrest underscores its commitment to tackling corruption and recovering stolen public funds across the country.

Operatives of the Kebbi State Hisbah Board, an agency under the state Ministry of Religious Affairs, have arrested a man allegedly found hiding inside a “Ghana Must-Go” bag at the residence of a married woman in the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi.)

The Director of Sharia at the board, Sirajo Kamba, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

According to Kamba, residents of the community alerted the Hisbah Board around 12:15 a.m. on Monday, May 18, after noticing a man entering the woman’s residence under suspicious circumstances.

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He explained that the residents suspected the pair were involved in an illicit relationship considered contrary to Islamic teachings and therefore decided to formally notify the authorities.

“Upon receiving the report, the Kebbi Hisbah Board swiftly deployed officers to investigate the matter,” Kamba said.

He disclosed that when officers arrived at the residence and requested permission to search the premises, the married woman initially denied that anyone else was inside the house.

Kamba, however, noted that the woman later allowed the operatives to conduct a thorough search, which led to the discovery of the suspect allegedly concealed inside a large “Ghana Must-Go” bag.

Further investigations, according to the Hisbah official, revealed that the suspect allegedly had a romantic relationship with the married woman.

He added that both suspects allegedly admitted to the claims during interrogation and would be arraigned before a Sharia court to face legal proceedings under Islamic law.

The incident has since sparked reactions among residents, many expressing shock over the unusual manner in which the suspect was allegedly hidden inside the bag.

Meanwhile, the development comes days after the Kano State Hisbah Board arrested two women and a 35-year-old fish seller over an alleged attempt to engage in immoral acts in the state.

The Director of Public Enlightenment of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Auwalu Sheshe, had disclosed in a statement that operatives found the fish seller, identified as Ali Abubakar from the Kano Cooperative area, alongside his female companion, Fatima Abubakar, a 28-year-old woman from the Niger Republic, inside a room allegedly preparing to engage in immoral conduct.

Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has strongly denied allegations that his properties are proceeds of crime, as he challenges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in court over an interim forfeiture order.

Malami, in a sworn affidavit before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, maintained that all assets linked to him were lawfully acquired through years of legal practice, business investments, loans, and other legitimate sources of income.

He faulted the EFCC’s position, insisting that the agency failed to present credible evidence connecting any of the properties to unlawful activity.

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According to him, the claims were based on speculation rather than facts.

“There is no document before the court showing these properties were acquired with proceeds of crime,” he argued.

The former Minister of Justice also accused the anti-graft agency of inflating the value of his assets, alleging that properties worth hundreds of millions of naira were wrongly presented as being worth billions.

He further stated that independent valuations had shown significantly lower and more accurate figures.

Malami explained that his wealth was accumulated over decades through legal practice, investments in sectors such as hospitality, agriculture, and education, as well as loans from commercial banks, asset sales, and earnings from book-related activities.

He added that all his income had been duly declared to relevant government agencies.
He also alleged procedural violations, claiming that operatives of the EFCC acted outside their legal authority by seizing properties and evicting occupants without a final forfeiture order.

The EFCC, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, had earlier obtained an interim forfeiture order over the assets, linking them to suspected proceeds of unlawful activities.

However, Malami is urging the court to dismiss the order and restore his properties.