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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed how former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, allegedly diverted billions of naira earmarked for Nigeria’s major hydroelectric power projects to acquire properties.
Olukoyede made the disclosure while speaking about the EFCC’s fight against corruption, explaining that funds provided for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects were allegedly diverted instead of being used to improve electricity generation and supply across the country.
According to the EFCC chairman, the government had released ₦32 billion for the projects, but about ₦29 billion was allegedly diverted and used to acquire properties in different locations.
In a video shared by Arise News, Olukoyede expressed disappointment over the alleged diversion, noting that the money was intended to provide electricity to Nigerians but was allegedly converted for personal benefit.
He said, “This project was meant to give light but somebody sat on it. The money that government put is 32 billion naira and somebody sat and took 29 billion naira out of the 32 billion naira and just siphoned it, and acquired properties here and there, thinking that nothing will happen. But nemesis caught up with him, he is in jail as I am talking to you.”
Meanwhile, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on May 13, 2026, sentenced the former minister to a total of 75 years in prison after finding him guilty on all 12 counts of money laundering and related offences involving ₦33.8 billion.
The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively, resulting in the 75-year jail term. It also ordered the forfeiture of properties and recovered funds linked to the case.
Mamman, who served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021, was convicted in absentia after failing to appear in court.
Following the judgment, the EFCC launched efforts to locate him. The commission subsequently announced his arrest in Kaduna State on May 19, 2026.
The conviction and subsequent arrest have renewed attention on the management of public funds allocated to critical infrastructure projects, particularly in Nigeria's power sector, where millions of citizens continue to experience inadequate electricity supply.
The case underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in the management of public resources meant for national development.
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