How EFCC arrested ex-power minister Mamman

Details have emerged on how operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission tracked down and arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Kaduna State after weeks of surveillance.

Sources within the commission said the operation followed an intensive manhunt launched after a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced Mamman in absentia to 75 years imprisonment over N33.8bn fraud linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.

According to the sources, EFCC operatives deployed intelligence and surveillance strategies immediately after the judgment, eventually tracing the former minister through his phone to an apartment in the Rigasa area of Kaduna.

Two individuals accused of harbouring him were also arrested during the operation.

A senior official said, “After the judgment, we intensified efforts to locate him following weeks of intelligence gathering. He was eventually tracked through his phone and found in Rigasa. Two persons who sheltered him were also arrested.”

Confirming the development, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede said Mamman was apprehended at about 3:30 a.m. in Kaduna.

He described the arrest as a clear signal of the government’s determination to tackle corruption.

“Since the court sentenced him in absentia, we activated our intelligence network and searched extensively. I am pleased to inform Nigerians that he was arrested early this morning in Kaduna,” Olukoyede said.

He added that Mamman is currently in EFCC custody pending his transfer to a correctional facility in line with the court’s directive.

The EFCC boss also disclosed that investigations were ongoing into the two suspects arrested for allegedly aiding the former minister’s evasion.

Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, said the court had directed security agencies to ensure the convict was apprehended and remanded, noting that arrangements were underway for his transfer to a correctional centre.

Olukoyede further revealed that the commission would review its monitoring strategies for high-profile suspects, stressing the need for closer surveillance to prevent defendants from evading justice.

He also hinted at expanded investigations into additional assets allegedly linked to Mamman, saying more properties had already been uncovered.

The EFCC maintained that anyone found to have assisted the fugitive would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.