By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued a fresh bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after he failed to appear for proceedings in an ongoing N31 billion fraud case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The presiding judge, Maryann Anineh, on Monday also revoked the bail earlier granted to the former minister and ordered that the trial continue despite his absence, in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
Mamman is being prosecuted alongside seven others over allegations bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and intent to defraud linked to multi-billion naira power projects.
The latest development comes just days after another Federal High Court in Abuja convicted the former minister on all 12 counts in a separate money laundering case filed by the EFCC.
Sentencing in that matter was fixed for May 13, 2026.
During Monday’s proceedings, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that neither Mamman nor his legal team provided any explanation for his absence.
Oyedepo noted that the former minister was also absent when judgment was delivered against him at the Federal High Court last week, where another arrest warrant had already been issued.
In response, Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, argued that since the Federal High Court had earlier issued a warrant against his client, it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce him before the court.
Rejecting the argument, Oyedepo insisted that the anti-graft agency could not account for the whereabouts of a defendant it does not represent.
“My lord, I do not hold the brief of the first defendant, so it is not my duty to inform the court of the whereabouts of his client,” Oyedepo said in a statement released by the EFCC.
“A defendant without reasonable justification absented from trial, there was a warrant issued by the Federal High Court which is yet to be executed as the defendant is still in hiding.
“I apply that his bail be revoked and that my lordship issues a bench warrant against him and to also summon the surety on the next adjourned date.”
The EFCC lawyer further urged the court to proceed with the case in Mamman’s absence pursuant to Section 352(4) of the ACJA.
Delivering her ruling, Justice Anineh agreed with the prosecution, revoked the ex-minister’s bail and ordered security agencies to ensure his appearance at the next sitting.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until May 14 for continuation of trial.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between August 2019 and September 2021, has been at the centre of multiple corruption investigations tied to funds earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The EFCC had accused him and several ministry officials of allegedly diverting about N33.8 billion meant for critical electricity infrastructure projects.
The fresh arrest warrant deepens the legal troubles confronting the former minister and could further complicate ongoing efforts by anti-corruption authorities to recover public funds allegedly diverted from Nigeria’s power sector. The development may also intensify scrutiny on past management of major power projects under the previous administration.
Source: TheCable�
