How EFCC Tracked and Arrested Convicted Ex-Minister Saleh Mamman in Kaduna

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission tracked down and arrested a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Kaduna State after weeks of intensive surveillance, following his conviction on N33.8bn fraud charges.

Mamman was sentenced in absentia last week by a Federal High Court in Abuja to 75 years imprisonment on 12 counts of money laundering and fraud linked to the diversion of funds from the Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.

Immediately the judgment was delivered, the anti-graft agency activated its intelligence network and spread its dragnet across the country in search of the convict. According to sources within the commission, he was eventually tracked through his phone and found hiding in an apartment in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State.

Two individuals who allegedly harboured the former minister were also arrested alongside him.

The EFCC chairman confirmed the arrest at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, stating that the operation was carried out at about 3:30 a.m. He described the arrest as proof of the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting corruption, adding that no one who misappropriates public funds would go unpunished.

He further stated that the commission would review its procedures for monitoring high-profile suspects undergoing trial to prevent future escape from jurisdiction. He noted that for every corruption case, defendants must be placed under surveillance in the interest of justice.

Responding to questions on why the convict was in EFCC custody rather than a correctional facility, the chairman explained that the arrest was recent and procedures for his transfer to the appropriate facility were already underway.

The Director of Public Prosecution also confirmed that the court had ordered all security agencies to ensure the convict had no hiding place and directed his immediate transfer to a correctional centre. He added that the operation reflected improved collaboration among security agencies in enforcing court judgments.

The EFCC chairman further disclosed that investigations would be expanded to cover additional properties allegedly linked to the convict, noting that fresh assets had already been discovered. He also stated that anyone found to have harboured a convicted felon would face the full weight of the law.