An Abuja High Court on Monday issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, for failing to appear in court.
This is the second warrant of arrest issued against Mr Mamman in a week.
Justice Maryann Anenih ordered Mr Mamman’s arrest after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, requested that he be arrested and that the trial continue despite his absence.
“Application granted to proceed without the first defendant and application for bench warrant granted,” the judge ruled.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Mr Mamman alongside seven others: Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, and Stephen Ojo with conspiracy, false pretences, and intent to defraud to the tune of N3 billion.
Others charged are Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusila.
They were arraigned before Justice Anenih on October 16, 2025.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
At the resumed hearing on Monday, all of Mr Mamman’s co-defendants were in court.
This is the second case, the former Minister of Power is involved in.
He has already been convicted by the Federal High Court in absentia for N33 billion, but he has yet to be sentenced.
His absence at the Federal High Court prompted Justice Omotosho to order his arrest.
The prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that the pending warrant for arrest by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court is yet to be executed.
Counsel for Mr Mamman, Femi Atteh, SAN, explained to the court the reason for his client’s absence.
Mr Atteh said, “I do not know where he is. The DPPF told us at the Federal High Court that our client is now the state’s property,” following the order of his arrest by the court last week.
Mr Atteh noted that the DPPF has a duty to produce Mr Mamman.
Responding, Mr Oyedepo maintained that he has never abdicated his duty as an officer of the court.
“A defendant without reasonable justification absconded from trial, so the client is still very much in his custody.”
Mr Atteh disagreed with the accusation of hiding Mr Mamman.
Mr Oyedepo then said, “The warrant issued by the Federal High Court is yet to be executed as the defendant is still in hiding.”
Justice Anenih then adjourned the trial until Thursday.
(NAN)
