Abuja Court Issues Fresh Arrest Warrant Against Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Amid EFCC Trials
An Abuja High Court has issued a fresh bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after he failed to appear for the continuation of his trial. This marks the second arrest order against the ex-minister within one week.
Justice Maryann Anenih granted the warrant following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who urged the court to proceed despite Mamman’s absence. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman alongside seven co-defendants on charges of conspiracy, false pretence, and intent to defraud involving ₦3 billion.
Mamman’s repeated absence comes shortly after the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him in absentia in a separate ₦33 billion money laundering case. Justice James Omotosho had earlier ordered his arrest after he failed to attend judgment delivery.
During Monday’s proceedings, Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that the prosecution bore responsibility for producing the defendant, noting that his client had already been declared “the state’s property” following the earlier arrest order. Oyedepo countered that Mamman had absconded and remained in hiding.
Justice Anenih adjourned the matter until Thursday, directing that trial continue without further delay. The EFCC maintains that Mamman’s absence underscores its ongoing challenge in prosecuting high-profile corruption cases involving former public officials.
