“You Can’t Hide Forever”: EFCC Catches Ex-Minister Days After 75-Year Sentence.

Just days after being sentenced to 75 years in prison, former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has finally been arrested by the EFCC. He had been convicted in absentia for stealing billions meant for Nigeria’s Mambilla and Zungeru hydropower projects.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede broke the news to journalists at the agency’s Abuja headquarters. According to him, Mamman was picked up at 3:30 a.m. in Kaduna State, along with two people who were trying to shield him from arrest.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had last week found Mamman guilty on 12 counts of money laundering and fraud involving N33.8 billion. But because he failed to show up in court, the judge delivered the verdict without him present.

Olukoyede described the arrest as a clear signal that the government is serious about fighting corruption. “Anyone who dips into national resources will not go unpunished,” he said. “The eagle eye of the EFCC will always catch up with you, wherever you’re hiding.”

He also revealed that the property where Mamman was hiding is now under investigation. The EFCC has since uncovered even more assets linked to the former minister, and plans to widen its probe.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo, confirmed that arrangements are underway to move Mamman from EFCC custody to a correctional facility, in line with the court’s order.

Olukoyede added that the Commission is reviewing how it handles high profile corruption cases, including keeping closer tabs on suspects to stop them from running away while on trial.