EFCC Arrest Former Nigerian Minister Saleh Mamman for Alleged N22bn Power Project Fraud ~ NewsEdge
The arrest of Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political and business circles. Mamman, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, was dismissed from his position in July 2021 following allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been investigating Mamman and other officials at the Ministry of Power for their role in the misappropriation of funds meant for power projects. The investigation has uncovered a web of corruption involving contracts awarded to companies with links to the officials, as well as the diversion of funds meant for the projects.
Mamman is accused of conspiring with other officials to divert N22 billion ($53 million) meant for power projects into their personal accounts. The funds were allegedly shared among the officials, who used them to purchase properties in Nigeria and overseas. The EFCC has recovered millions of naira and US dollars from the suspects.
The arrest of Mamman is seen as a significant step in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. President Buhari came to power in 2015 on a promise to tackle corruption, which is seen as one of the biggest obstacles to Nigeria’s development. However, critics say that progress has been slow, and that many corrupt officials have escaped punishment.
The EFCC has been stepping up its efforts to investigate and prosecute corrupt officials in recent years. The agency has secured several high-profile convictions, including that of former governor James Ibori, who was sentenced to 13 years in prison for money laundering and fraud.
The arrest of Mamman is likely to send a message to other officials that they will be held accountable for their actions. It is also a reminder that Nigeria’s fight against corruption is far from over, and that there is still much work to be done to ensure that public funds are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.
