Court revokes Saleh Mamman’s bail, orders arrestBy Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The bail application by former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has been denied by a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja on Monday.
In a ruling on Monday, Justice Maryann Anineh issued a bench warrant for the Former Minister’s arrest over his absence in court during an ongoing fraud trial involving over N31 billion.
The Judge gave the order after the former minister failed to appear before the court for the continuation of proceedings in a nine count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and intent to defraud further leading to his prosecution, alongside seven others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The development followed Mamman’s conviction on May 7, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on a separate 12 count charge bordering on money laundering involving N33.8 billion which according to the EFCC, the former minister has remained out of circulation since the conviction, with his whereabouts unknown.
According to reports at the Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that Mamman’s absence was conspicuous and unjustified, noting that no explanation had been provided either by the defendant or his legal team noting that Mamman was also absent during proceedings leading to his conviction before Justice Omotosho.
Counsel to the defendant, Femi Atteh (SAN), however argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the defendant in court following the earlier conviction and bench warrant issued against him.
However Oyedepo maintained that the prosecution was under no obligation to account for the defendant’s whereabouts, insisting that Mamman deliberately absconded from trial consequently urging the court to revoke the defendant’s bail, issue a fresh bench warrant for his arrest and summon his surety at the next adjourned date.
The prosecution also requested that trial should continue in Mamman’s absence pursuant to Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
In her ruling, Justice Anineh granted all the applications of the prosecution, revoked Mamman’s bail and ordered his arrest further ruling that proceedings would continue despite the defendant’s absence in line with provisions of the ACJA.
The case was subsequently adjourned till May 14, 2026 for continuation of trial.