From Victor Osula, Abuja
Justice Maryann Anenih 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 following his failure to appear in court for the continuation of his criminal trial.
The ruling came amid revelations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the former minister had gone into hiding after his conviction on separate money laundering charges.
According to the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Mamman has remained out of circulation since May 7, 2026, when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, convicted him on all 12 counts bordering on money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.
Mamman is currently standing trial alongside seven others before Justice Anenih on a separate nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and intent to defraud involving ₦31.07 billion.
At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the absence of the first defendant was both “noticeable and obvious”, stressing that no explanation had been provided by either Mamman or his legal team.
Oyedepo further noted that no justification was also offered for Mamman’s absence during the proceedings that led to his conviction before Justice Omotosho on May 7.
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 after his conviction.
However, the prosecution rejected the argument, insisting that it was not obligated to account for the whereabouts of a defendant it was not representing.
“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. A defendant without a 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”, Oyedepo told the court.
The prosecution also urged the court to continue with the trial 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 the former minister’s bail and issued a bench warrant compelling his arrest and appearance before the court on the next adjourned date.
The judge further held that the trial would continue in Mamman’s absence in line with the provisions of Section 352 of the ACJA 2015.
The matter was subsequently adjourned to May 14, 2026, for continuation of the trial.
