A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial over an alleged N31 billion fraud case. The development, marked by the Mamman arrest order, followed an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking the revocation of his bail and continuation of proceedings in his absence.
Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and has been facing multiple corruption and money laundering allegations linked to power sector projects.
The latest proceedings relate to a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and intent to defraud involving more than N31 billion allegedly connected to federal power projects.
The court action came days after a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Mamman on separate money laundering charges involving approximately N33.8 billion linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects. The renewed proceedings surrounding the Mamman arrest order have intensified public attention on anti-corruption prosecutions involving former government officials.
According to Vanguard, trial Justice Maryann Anineh revoked the bail earlier granted to Mamman after he failed to appear before the court for the continuation of proceedings. The court subsequently directed security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found.
The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the former minister had remained absent despite an earlier conviction and existing arrest warrant issued by another court. He urged the court to continue the trial in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015.
Justice Anineh granted the prosecution’s request and ruled that the trial would continue in Mamman’s absence under Section 352 of the ACJA 2015. Mamman arrest order is connected to allegations that the former minister, alongside seven co-defendants, conspired to defraud the Federal Government through transactions linked to public funds allocated to power infrastructure projects.
The EFCC alleged that the funds involved amounted to N31,070,541,349.64 and were connected to fraudulent financial transactions and conspiracy-related offences.
In the separate Federal High Court matter concluded last week, Justice James Omotosho reportedly found Mamman guilty on all counts relating to money laundering offences involving approximately N33.8 billion.
The court held that public funds linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydroelectric Power projects were illegally diverted through multiple financial channels, including Bureau de Change operators.
As the Mamman arrest order takes effect, security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to locate and produce the former minister before the court for continuation of proceedings and sentencing in the separate conviction matter.
The court’s decision highlights continued judicial and anti-corruption scrutiny involving former public officials accused of financial misconduct. Analysts say the Mamman arrest order reinforces ongoing efforts by anti-graft agencies and the judiciary to prosecute alleged corruption cases involving public infrastructure funds and government contracts.
The development also places renewed focus on transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s power sector, particularly concerning large-scale hydroelectric projects financed with public resources.
