Former Nigerian minister arrested in hiding after corruption conviction
Saleh Mamman, former Power Minister of Nigeria, was arrested on Tuesday in the northern Kaduna state. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said the arrest followed "weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering" after Mamman went into hiding. This occurred after he was sentenced to 75 years in jail on corruption charges earlier this month by a court in Abuja.
Mamman was found guilty on 12 counts related to the diversion of funds meant for two hydroelectric power projects. The court ruled that prosecutors had proved their case beyond reasonable doubt. The judge said the EFCC had shown that Mamman and his associates diverted at least 22bn naira ($14m; £10m) intended for critical electricity projects. The judge described the diversion of public funds as a gross abuse of public trust.
EFCC chairman Ola Olukoyede said authorities were determined to ensure the former minister served his sentence. He stated, "For us, getting the convict to serve his jail terms is extremely important in view of the seriousness with which we are tackling corrupt practices." Mamman also faces a separate corruption trial in Abuja over allegations of fraud involving 31bn naira, and a warrant for his arrest was issued earlier this month after he failed to appear in court in that case.
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A former Nigerian minister has been apprehended by the anti-corruption agency. The arrest follows allegations of corruption and a subsequent court ruling - but what does this mean for Nigeria's fight against corruption?
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