An Abuja High Court sitting in Maitama has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, following his failure to appear in court for the continuation of his trial over an alleged N31 billion fraud.
Justice Maryann Anineh, who presided over the matter on Monday, also revoked the bail earlier granted to the former minister and directed security agencies to arrest him wherever he is found.
The court further ruled that the trial would proceed in his absence in accordance with Section 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
The case was adjourned until May 14 for continuation of proceedings.
Mamman is facing a nine-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and alleged fraud amounting to N31,070,541,349.64.
The development came barely four days after the former minister was convicted in absentia by a Federal High Court in Abuja on separate fraud and money laundering charges.
Justice James Omotosho had found him guilty on all counts in a 12-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was held liable for the unlawful diversion of public funds estimated at about N33.8 billion.
The court also found that he made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about N200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.
He was equally found guilty of criminal breach of trust involving funds meant for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power projects.
According to the court, large sums of the diverted funds were routed through Bureau de Change operators who converted the money into foreign currencies and handed them over to the defendant.
Lawyers representing Mamman, who was absent during the judgment, told the court they were unaware of his whereabouts.
Justice Omotosho subsequently postponed sentencing until Wednesday and also issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
At Monday’s proceedings before the FCT High Court, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that Mamman, who is standing trial alongside seven others, was absent from court.
However, counsel to the former minister, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the defendant in court following his conviction and the existing arrest order.
The prosecution thereafter urged the court to issue another arrest warrant and allow the trial to continue despite the defendant’s absence.
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