Former Nigerian Energy Minister Saleh Mamman Arrested After In‑Absentia Conviction
On Tuesday, May 7 2026, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of Saleh Mamman, Nigeria’s former Minister of Energy, from a hideout in the Rigasa area of Kaduna State. The apprehension followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence‑gathering by EFCC operatives after Mamman failed to appear for sentencing in a high‑profile corruption case.
Background of the Case
Mamman served as Energy Minister under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021, overseeing major hydropower initiatives such as the Mambilla and Tongueru projects. In May 2026, the EFCC charged him with a 33.8 billion naira scheme involving money laundering and fraud tied to the diversion of funds earmarked for those projects.
The commission alleged that Mamman and his associates redirected at least N22 billion of public money through proxy companies and partner firms, constituting a gross abuse of public trust.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Presiding Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja delivered judgment on May 13 2026. After reviewing the evidence, the court found Mamman guilty on all twelve counts brought by the EFCC.
- Counts 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12: seven years imprisonment each, no fine option.
- Count 4: three years imprisonment with the option of a fine of N10 million.
- Count 5: two years imprisonment with the option of a fine.
The judge ordered the sentences to run consecutively, resulting in a total prison term of 75 years. Justice Omotosho noted that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the defense failed to present credible evidence to counter the allegations.
Arrest Details
EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede confirmed the arrest in a press statement, citing intelligence that led operatives to Mamman’s hideout in Rigasa. He emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring that convicted individuals serve their sentences:
“Given the seriousness with which we fight corrupt practices, it is extremely important for us to make the convict serve his sentences. This determination has led us to use intelligence information to track down and arrest the convict. We will process his transfer to the correctional facility accordingly.”
The statement was reported by PremiumNewsNG.com on May 7 2026.
Implications and Reactions
The case has drawn attention from anti‑corruption watchdogs, legal experts, and international partners concerned with governance in Nigeria’s energy sector. Observers note that the conviction underscores the EFCC’s resolve to pursue high‑ranking officials, even when they attempt to evade justice.
Following Mamman’s conviction, President Buhari’s administration appointed Joseph Tegbe as the new Minister of Energy, signaling a shift in leadership for the ministry.
Next Steps
Mamman remains in EFCC custody pending transfer to a correctional facility to begin serving his 75‑year sentence. He also faces a separate trial at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over an alleged 31 billion naira fraud, which will proceed independently of the current conviction.
Legal analysts anticipate that the outcome of both trials could set precedents for how Nigeria handles large‑scale corruption cases involving senior government officials.
