The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, following his recent conviction over alleged financial misconduct linked to his time in office.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, confirmed that the former minister was apprehended around 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday during an operation in Kaduna State.
According to the anti-graft agency, Mamman was arrested alongside two individuals who were allegedly shielding him at the time of the raid. Operatives reportedly stormed the residence in the early hours of the morning and took the former minister into custody without incident.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was recently convicted by the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of money laundering and diversion of public funds during his tenure as minister.
Justice James Omotosho had sentenced the former minister to a cumulative 75-year prison term after finding him guilty on 12 counts filed by the EFCC.
The court ruled that the offences involved the laundering and fraudulent handling of about N33.8 billion, describing the case as one of the most significant corruption convictions involving a former public office holder in recent years.
In the judgment, the court handed down seven-year prison terms on 10 counts, while two additional counts attracted separate jail terms of three years and two years respectively. The sentences are to run consecutively.
The court also ruled that there would be no option of fine on most of the counts, except one count which carries a N10 million fine option.
Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of several assets linked to Mamman, including foreign currencies and four high-value properties in Abuja believed to be proceeds of unlawful activities.
The latest development marks another major anti-corruption action by the EFCC as authorities continue investigations into financial misconduct involving former public officials.