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Nigeria's anti-corruption agency has arrested former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, days after a court sentenced him in absentia to 75 years in prison for diverting public funds meant for two hydroelectric power projects. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest on Tuesday, saying he was detained in Kaduna state after weeks of surveillance and intelligence operations. Mamman had been in hiding since his conviction earlier this month, according to multiple reports.

The EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said authorities were determined to ensure Mamman served his sentence, according to reports from Africa News and the BBC. "For us, getting the convict to serve his jail terms is extremely important in view of the seriousness with which we are tackling corrupt practices," he said, as quoted by the BBC.

Coverage comparison

The arrest has drawn attention across international media, with reports highlighting the scale of the corruption charges. Africa News and the BBC both noted that Mamman was found guilty on 12 counts related to the diversion of funds for two hydroelectric projects, with the court ruling that prosecutors had proven their case beyond a reasonable doubt. AllAfrica and Deutsche Welle added that at least $14 million intended for electricity infrastructure was siphoned through proxy companies and associates—a detail echoed in a report by AllAfrica. The judge in the case described the diversion of public funds as a "gross abuse of public trust," according to both AllAfrica and the BBC.

Deutsche Welle placed the arrest in the broader context of Nigeria's long-running electricity crisis, noting that despite the country being one of Africa's largest energy producers, frequent power outages have forced many households and businesses to rely on costly fuel generators. The outlet also noted that Mamman's arrest followed weeks of surveillance, a detail also reported by Africa News.

The case has renewed public anger over systemic corruption, a theme echoed across all reports. While Africa News and the BBC focused on the immediate legal proceedings and the EFCC's statements, Deutsche Welle provided analysis on the broader implications for accountability in Nigeria.

Key claims

A multi-source review of the coverage confirms the following key claims:

  • Arrest and sentencing: Mamman was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday in Kaduna state, approximately one week after receiving a 75-year sentence for corruption. The economic and financial crimes commission said he had gone into hiding following his conviction.
  • Charges and conviction: He was convicted on 12 counts of diverting funds intended for two hydroelectric power projects, with the court ruling that prosecutors had established their case beyond a reasonable doubt. He was sentenced in absentia after failing to appear for the judgment.
  • Amount diverted: At least $14 million (22 billion naira) intended for electricity infrastructure was siphoned through proxy companies and associates, according to court findings reported by multiple news organisations. The judge described the action as a "gross abuse of public trust."
  • Subsequent legal troubles: Mamman also faces a separate corruption case involving allegations of fraud amounting to 31 billion naira, for which a warrant for his arrest was issued earlier this month after he failed to appear in court. This information was reported by both Africa News and the BBC.
  • Background: Mamman served as Nigeria's power minister from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The arrest comes as the country grapples with widespread power outages and a perception of impunity among senior officials. One report by Deutsche Welle noted that high-profile convictions are uncommon, a point echoed by the BBC, which described the arrest as a "rare follow-through" in the fight against corruption.