A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday, May 11, 2026, ordered the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after he failed to appear for his trial in an alleged N31 billion fraud case.
Justice Maryanne Anenih issued the bench warrant following his unexplained absence, granting an application by the prosecution and directing that proceedings continue without him. The matter was adjourned to Thursday, May 14, 2026.
Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that Mamman had absconded from trial and should be produced to face proceedings.
His counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, said he had no knowledge of his client’s whereabouts, noting that a separate arrest warrant issued by another court was yet to be executed.
The case involves nine counts of conspiracy, false pretence, and alleged diversion of about N31 billion linked to the Mambilla Power Project.
READ ALSO: Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleged the funds were siphoned through Bureau de Change operators and proxy companies during Mamman’s tenure as minister from 2019 to 2021 under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mamman and his co-defendants were arraigned on October 16, 2025, and all pleaded not guilty.
The latest warrant comes days after the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted Mamman on May 7, 2026, on 12 counts of money laundering involving N33.8 billion tied to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects.
The court had also ordered his arrest for failing to appear for judgment and fixed May 13, 2026, for sentencing.
In the ongoing trial, the EFCC has called bank officials who tendered financial documents and transaction records tracing alleged fund movements through several companies linked to the case.