Ex-Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama, Abuja has ordered the arrest of former Power Minister Saleh Mamman after he failed to appear in court for his ongoing N31 billion fraud trial.
Justice Maryann Anenih issued the bench warrant on Monday, allowing the trial to continue in Mamman’s absence after prosecutors, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that the defendant had absconded.
The case involves Mamman and seven others accused of conspiracy, false pretence, and alleged diversion of funds linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru hydroelectric power projects. All co-defendants were present in court and pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors told the court that financial records from multiple companies were used to allegedly move billions of naira under questionable circumstances. The court has adjourned the matter to continue proceedings later this week.
This latest order comes just days after a separate Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Mamman on 12 counts of money laundering involving the alleged diversion of ₦33.8 billion meant for major power infrastructure projects. That court had earlier issued its own arrest warrant after Mamman also failed to appear for sentencing.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court had previously scheduled May 13 for sentencing in that related case, after finding him guilty of large-scale financial misconduct.
Mamman’s lawyer told the court he does not know his client’s whereabouts, while prosecutors insist the former minister is currently evading trial.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigators say Mamman’s disappearance has complicated efforts to conclude one of Nigeria’s most high-profile corruption cases involving the power sector.
Mamman served as Minister of Power between 2019 and 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. In recent months, he had also declared interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
With two separate arrest warrants now issued within days, legal analysts say the case marks one of the most serious ongoing anti-corruption prosecutions involving a former federal cabinet minister in Nigeria.
