court issues warrant for ex-Minister Saleh Mamman’s arrest

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 Mamman in a week.

Justice Maryann Anenih ordered Mamman’s arrest after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN requested his arrest and the continuation of the trial 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 Mamman alongside seven others: Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo with conspiracy, false pretenses and intent to defraud to the tune of N3billion.

Others charged are Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua and Ogunjobi Olusila .

They were arraigned before Justice Anenih on Oct. 16, 2025.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

At the resumed hearing on Monday, all 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 Mamman, Femi Atteh, SAN, explained to the court why his client was absent.

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.

Atteh noted that the DPPF has a duty to produce Mamman.

Responding, 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.”

Atteh disagreed with the accusation of hiding Mamman.

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 until Thursday for the continuation of the trial.(NAN)