By Uche Onyeali
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, days after he was sentenced to 75 years imprisonment over a multi-billion naira fraud case linked to power projects in Nigeria.
Mamman was convicted in absentia for a N33.8 billion money laundering and fraud case.
The anti-graft commission disclosed that the former minister was apprehended in Kaduna at about 3:30am yesterday.
Confirming the development, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede said the convict, was arrested alongside two individuals accused of harbouring and shielding him from security operatives.
The commission is also investigating the residence where he was found.
Mamman’s arrest came shortly after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on all 12 counts brought against him by the EFCC.
The charges bordered on the alleged laundering and diversion of about N33.8 billion earmarked for major power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric projects.
According to the court, the prosecution successfully established that public funds were diverted through private companies and used for unlawful transactions while Mamman served as Minister of Power under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Justice Omotosho ruled that the jail terms attached to the various counts should run consecutively, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 75 years imprisonment.
The court had also ordered security agencies to arrest and hand him over to correctional authorities after he failed to appear for the delivery of judgment.
