Justice has finally caught up with Saleh Mamman, the former Nigerian Power Minister who thought he could escape the consequences of his massive corruption scheme.
After being sentenced to 75 years in prison earlier this month for diverting 22 billion naira—roughly $14 million—intended for vital hydroelectric projects, Mamman attempted to evade the law by going into hiding.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ended his run on Tuesday, confirming his arrest in Kaduna state following an intensive surveillance operation.
Mamman’s tenure as minister from 2019 to 2021 was marked by a gross abuse of public trust, as he utilized proxy companies to siphon off funds that were supposed to stabilize the nation’s failing electricity grid.
While he sat in office promising improvements, he was busy lining his pockets, leaving millions of Nigerians to suffer through frequent blackouts and reliance on expensive fuel generators. This rare conviction serves as a necessary reminder that public officials are not above the law.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede stated that ensuring Mamman serves his full sentence is a priority in the agency's fight against systemic graft. The disgraced former minister isn't out of the woods yet, either; he still faces a separate trial in Abuja regarding allegations of fraud involving an additional 31 billion naira.
For a country plagued by energy instability, Mamman’s arrest is a long-overdue step toward accountability.
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