The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reportedly arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after he allegedly went into hiding while standing trial over an alleged N33 billion fraud case.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the former minister was picked up by operatives after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts following his absence from court proceedings in the ongoing corruption trial instituted against him by the anti-graft agency.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is being prosecuted over alleged conspiracy, money laundering and diversion of public funds linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla power projects during his tenure as Minister of Power.
The EFCC had earlier arraigned the former minister before the Federal High Court in Abuja on multiple-count charges bordering on alleged misappropriation of about N33 billion meant for power sector projects.
At previous court sittings, the anti-graft agency accused Mamman of unlawfully converting public funds through proxies and shell companies. The prosecution also alleged that large sums were traced to associates and entities allegedly linked to the former minister.
His recent absence from court proceedings had reportedly raised concerns among prosecutors, leading to intensified efforts by security agencies to locate him.
Sources within the anti-corruption agency said Mamman was eventually apprehended while allegedly attempting to evade further legal proceedings.
The EFCC is expected to produce the former minister before the court as proceedings in the high-profile corruption case continue.
The development has again placed the spotlight on accountability in Nigeria’s power sector, which has long been plagued by allegations of corruption, abandoned projects and poor electricity supply despite huge government spending.
