EFCC Launches Global Manhunt for Saleh Mamman

Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has placed former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on its international watchlist, declaring him wanted for immediate arrest over multiple fraud allegations.

Sources within the commission told this newspaper that Mamman has been flagged across security agencies and international law enforcement networks. He is to be apprehended on sight at all entry points into the country.

The development follows a fresh arrest warrant issued by an Abuja High Court after Mamman failed to appear before the court to answer new charges involving an alleged N31 billion fraud. The order was handed down by Maryann Anenih, who granted the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), for Mamman’s arrest and continuation of trial in absentia.

This marks the second arrest warrant issued against the former minister within a week, underscoring the gravity of the charges against him.

Mamman is already facing prosecution by the EFCC on counts bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretenses, and intent to defraud, totaling about N33 billion.

His counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), told the court he could not account for his client’s whereabouts. “I do not know where he is,” Atteh said, adding that the prosecution had earlier indicated that Mamman was now “the state’s property” following a prior court-ordered arrest.

In a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by James Omotosho, had already convicted Mamman on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering involving approximately N33.8 billion.

The court found that funds tied to critical power projects, including the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric schemes, were illegally diverted. Mamman was also found guilty of making a cash payment of $655,700 for a property in Abuja without routing it through a financial institution, in violation of financial regulations.

Despite the conviction, Mamman was absent from court, forcing the judge to defer sentencing pending his arrest.

With multiple warrants now in effect and international alerts issued, the EFCC’s latest move signals an escalation in efforts to bring the former minister to justice.