EFCC arrests Energy Commission Director‑General over N701 bn linked to Progressive Governors’ Forum

• Case involves Hope Uzodinma’s alleged mismanagement of campaign funds

•Former power minister Mamman Saleh sentenced to 75 years’ imprisonment for fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Mustapha Abdullahi, Director‑General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), over a sum of N701 billion that is linked to the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), an association of All Progressives Congress (APC) governors.

In a separate case, former Minister of Power Mamman Saleh was sentenced in absentia to 75 years’ imprisonment for money‑laundering and fraud amounting to N33.8 billion.

Abdullahi was taken into custody in Abuja by EFCC officers after he failed to attend two separate invitations related to an ongoing financial investigation involving him.

THISDAY reports that the case may be connected to allegations of financial mismanagement against Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the PGF and Governor of Imo State.

Uzodinma is accused of not properly accounting for more than N700 billion that was intended for the 2027 election campaign, a dispute that has caused friction among APC governors. Some governors support him and express confidence in his leadership of the PGF, while others accuse him of misappropriating the funds.

According to THISDAY, the money was reportedly approved for distribution among APC governors ahead of the 2027 elections, but controversy arose over how it was disbursed. Some governors alleged that Uzodinma misapplied the funds, while others disagreed.

About 18 APC governors have issued a vote of confidence in Uzodinma.

Vice‑Chairman of the PGF, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, denied any serious rift within the APC governors’ ranks, describing the recent tensions as a “slight misunderstanding.”

Nevertheless, an investigation is underway to determine how the funds were used.

A former southeastern minister who resigned amid forgery allegations under the current administration is also said to be linked to the investigation involving Abdullahi.

Abdullahi’s arrest followed a warrant for him to answer corruption allegations, a reliable EFCC source told THISDAY in confidence.

The source added that Abdullahi has been taken into custody and will be questioned over alleged fraudulent activities totaling N701 billion.

“Yes, we have arrested him (the Director‑General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi), for alleged money‑laundering offences. Operatives of the commission went after him after he didn’t honour the invitation extended to him and is currently in our custody. The money is to the tune of about N701 billion,” the source said.

ECN spokesman Mr Dele Oyewale could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.

Abdullahi was appointed Director‑General of the ECN on 24 October 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.

Saleh Bags 75 Years Imprisonment for Fraud

Former Minister of Power Mamman Saleh was sentenced to 75 years’ imprisonment for money‑laundering and fraud amounting to N33.8 billion.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, imposed seven‑year terms on ten counts, a three‑year term on count four, and a two‑year term on count five of the charges. The sentences run consecutively, and only count four allows a N10 million fine.

Omotosho directed all security agencies to arrest Saleh wherever he is found and stated that the jail term would commence from the day of arrest.

The judge ordered the forfeiture of foreign currencies recovered from the convict, as well as four properties in Abuja linked to Saleh.

He also required the convict to repay the outstanding balance of N22 billion associated with the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

The court last week found the former minister, who served in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, guilty of fraud related to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects.

On 7 May, Omotosho issued an arrest warrant and ordered that Saleh be brought to court for sentencing at the next adjournment.

The former minister was arraigned in July 2024 on allegations of money‑laundering and conspiracy with ministry officials and private companies to “indirectly convert” the N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. He pleaded not guilty.

The EFCC presented 17 prosecution witnesses through its lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the current Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, and submitted 43 exhibits before closing its case.

Saleh’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, SAN, did not call any witness in his defence.

In delivering judgement last week, Omotosho held that the EFCC had established the 12‑count amended charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

“The prosecution has established that, at least, N22 billion was siphoned by the defendant and his associates. This is sufficient to sustain the charge. Consequently, the defendant is hereby convicted of Count 1 of the charge. The defence did not offer any credible evidence to refute the prosecution’s evidence. Upon the unchallenged evidence of the prosecution, the court hereby convicts the defendant of Count 1 of the charge,” the judge said.

Omotosho described Saleh’s diversion of funds meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects as “an eyesore.”

“The sheer greed of the defendant and his comrades in crime is nothing but a downright shameful thing. For a person who held a critical position such as Minister of Power, rather than creating a legacy of solving the country’s power supply problems, the defendant siphoned and converted monies for serious projects into private pockets. The defendant was living large at the expense of ordinary Nigerians who suffered from his malfeasance. Little wonder that Nigeria has remained in darkness,” the judge said.

He added that the defendant had tried to conceal his involvement by using proxy companies and accomplices, but the diligent investigation linked him to the funds. “This court must salute the detailed nature of the investigation carried out in this matter and for presenting a coherent and cogent case against the defendant. The defendant is condemned for greedily converting public funds to his own use. In final analysis, the prosecution has established the 12‑count charge against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, he is hereby convicted as charged,” the judge concluded.

Because the defendant was not in court when the judgement was delivered, EFCC lawyer Oyedepo requested that a warrant be issued for his arrest and production in court at the next adjournment.

Saleh’s lawyer, Mohammed Ahmed,