The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Rigasa, Kaduna State, following his conviction for fraud connected to the Mambilla Power Project.
Mamman was apprehended after he failed to return to court despite being granted permission to seek medical treatment abroad, sources familiar with the case said.
The former minister had been on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of fraud and financial misconduct in the handling of the multi-billion-naira Mambilla hydropower project.
He was convicted in absentia and sentenced to 75 years in prison after repeatedly failing to appear for proceedings.
EFCC operatives tracked and arrested him in Kaduna. He is currently in custody and will be committed to a correctional facility to begin serving his sentence.
As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC is yet to issue an official statement on the arrest.
The Mambilla Power Project, one of Nigeria’s most ambitious hydroelectric initiatives, has long been dogged by delays, massive cost overruns, and high-profile corruption allegations involving former government officials and contractors.
Comments
Add a comment