By Seun Ibiyemi
Justice Maryann Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Monday revoked the bail earlier granted to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear in court for his ongoing criminal trial.
Mamman, alongside seven others, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and alleged fraud amounting to ₦31.07 billion.
The former minister has reportedly remained out of circulation since May 7, 2026, when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, convicted him on all 12 counts in a separate money laundering case involving ₦33.8 billion.
At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that Mamman was absent and that no explanation had been provided either for his absence in the current proceedings or during his conviction before Justice Omotosho.
Responding, Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the defendant in court following the earlier bench warrant issued against him by the Federal High Court.
However, Oyedepo countered that the prosecution was not responsible for explaining the whereabouts of the defendant, insisting that Mamman had deliberately absconded.
“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,” Oyedepo told the court, while urging the judge to revoke the defendant’s bail, issue a bench warrant for his arrest and summon his surety on the next adjourned date.
READ ALSO:Fidelity Bank posts ₦347.7bn profit, grows gross earnings to ₦1.52trn in 2025
The prosecution also requested that the matter proceed in Mamman’s absence pursuant to Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
In her ruling, Justice Anineh granted the prosecution’s applications, revoked Mamman’s bail and issued a bench warrant compelling his appearance before the court.
The judge further ruled that the trial would continue in the absence of the former minister in line with the provisions of the ACJA 2015.
The matter was adjourned until May 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.
