EFCC arrests former power Minister over N22bn Zungeru, Mambilla deals

Oredola Adeola

The former Minister of Power, Engr Sale Mamman, has been arrested and detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged N22 billion fraud in respect of some power sector projects executed during his reign as Minister between 2019 to 2021.

Mamman was sacked by President Buhari on September 1, 2021, during a cabinet reshuffle. was confirmed arrested on Wednesday and detained at the anti-graft agency headquarters in Abuja.

EnergyDay gathered that the anti-graft agency picked the former Minister for diverting and misappropriating N22 Billion meant for Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

A credible source who confirmed the arrest to newsmen said that the EFCC is investigating Mamman for conspiring with a staff of the ministry in charge of the accounts of the 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant, ZHPP in Niger State and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

Preliminary investigations showed that the EFCC uncovered properties in Nigeria and overseas allegedly linked to the former Minister while millions of naira and dollars have reportedly been recovered.

President Buhari sacked Engr. Mamman in 2021, after a critical self-review of his performances and evaluation through sector reporting.

According to Femi Adesina, spokesperson to the President, the former Minister’s contributions to the power sector were below expectations.

According to him, in two years into their appointments, no major media reports exist to showcase the achievements of their respective ministries.

He said, “Under Mamman’s leadership, the power system collapsed and there were several cases of power tariff hike controversies which at times forced the government to dialogue with the organised labour and consequently reverse the tariff hike in some instances.