₦31bn Fraud Trial: Court Issues Fresh Bench Warrant Against Ex-Minister

₦31bn Fraud Trial: Court Issues Fresh Bench Warrant Against Ex-Minister

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a fresh warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after he failed to appear for proceedings in a separate ₦31 billion fraud case involving him and six co-defendants.

Justice Maryann Anenih gave the order on Monday following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, who urged the court to continue proceedings despite the absence of the former minister.

Ruling on the application, the judge said: “Application granted to proceed without the first defendant and application for bench warrant granted,” before adjourning the matter until Thursday for continuation of trial proceedings.

The latest development marks the second arrest warrant issued against Mamman within days. Earlier on May 7, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted the former minister on 12 counts bordering on money laundering and fraud involving about ₦33.8 billion linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects. (The Sun Nigeria)

Justice Omotosho subsequently issued the first arrest warrant after Mamman failed to appear in court for the judgment proceedings. The court fixed May 13 for sentencing. (The Northern Star)

At Monday’s sitting before the FCT High Court, Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), informed the court that he did not know the whereabouts of his client. He recalled that the prosecution had earlier described the former minister as “the state’s property” following the previous arrest order issued by the Federal High Court.

READ ALSO:

• Arewa Youths Allege Plot to Destabilise APC, Block Tinubu’s Re-Election
• Tinubu Appoints Retired Maj.-Gen. Fadewa as Homeland Security Adviser
• Hope, Fear as JAMB Releases Fresh Cut-Off Marks for Tertiary Institutions

Responding, Oyedepo confirmed that the earlier arrest warrant had not yet been executed, insisting that the defendant deliberately absconded from trial.

“The defendant without reasonable justification absconded from trial,” the prosecutor told the court, adding that Mamman “is still in hiding.”

In the ongoing FCT High Court case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Mamman and seven others of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and intent to defraud to the tune of ₦31 billion.

The charges are also linked to alleged diversion of funds tied to the controversial Mambilla Power Project, one of Nigeria’s largest hydroelectric projects aimed at boosting electricity generation nationwide.

The co-defendants, who were present in court on Monday, had earlier pleaded not guilty when they were arraigned in October 2025.

During the trial, EFCC prosecutors tendered several financial documents and account statements allegedly linked to companies used to move and conceal the funds under investigation.

Some of the companies mentioned during proceedings include Spinhills Biz International Limited, Silverline Ocean Ventures Limited, Beaver Builders Limited, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Breathable Investment Limited, First-Class Construction Project Limited, Royal Perimeter Ventures, Dannywest Limited, Dorino Bright Limited, and Sipikin Global Ventures Limited.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the funds were moved through multiple corporate accounts and Bureau de Change operators in a complex money laundering arrangement connected to power sector contracts.

Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021 before leaving office during a cabinet reshuffle.

Despite his ongoing legal troubles, the former minister recently declared interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The multiple corruption cases involving Mamman are among several high-profile anti-graft prosecutions currently being pursued by the EFCC against former public officials accused of diverting public funds meant for major national infrastructure projects.

₦31bn Fraud Trial: Court Issues Fresh Bench Warrant Against Ex-Minister