RismadarVoice Reporters
May 11, 2026
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has revoked the bail 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 trial.
Justice Maryann Anineh gave the order on Monday during proceedings in the alleged N31.07 billion fraud case instituted against Mamman and seven others by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Mamman is facing a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and intent to defraud.
The development comes days after Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, reportedly convicted Mamman on May 7, 2026, on a separate 12-count charge involving alleged money laundering amounting to N33.8 billion.
At Monday’s sitting, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that Mamman was absent and that no explanation had been provided by his legal team regarding his whereabouts.
Oyedepo also noted that the former minister had failed to appear during proceedings leading to his conviction before Justice Omotosho.
Responding, counsel to the defendant, Femi Atteh (SAN), argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce Mamman in court following the earlier conviction and bench warrant issued against him.
However, Oyedepo rejected the claim and urged the court to revoke the defendant’s bail and issue a fresh bench warrant for his arrest.
“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 told the court.
He further prayed the court to continue the trial in Mamman’s absence in line with Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
In her ruling, Justice Anineh granted the prosecution’s application, revoked Mamman’s bail, and ordered his arrest.
The judge also ruled that the trial would continue in the absence of the defendant in accordance with the provisions of the ACJA.
The case was adjourned until May 14, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
