Ex-Power Minister Saleh Mamman Faces Fresh Arrest Warrant Over N31bn Fraud Case

The FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a new warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.

The development follows his absence from court proceedings in an alleged N31 billion fraud trial.

Justice Maryanne Anenih granted the application on Monday after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, requested that the trial continue despite Mamman’s absence.

The judge ruled, “Application granted to proceed without the first defendant and application for bench warrant granted.”

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Mamman and seven others on a nine-count charge related to conspiracy, false pretence, and alleged diversion of N31 billion linked to power sector projects.

The co-defendants include Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusila.

All defendants pleaded not guilty during their arraignment in October 2025.

Mamman’s fresh arrest warrant comes days after the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him in a separate N33.8 billion money laundering case tied to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric projects.

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Federal High Court judge James Omotosho had earlier ordered his arrest after Mamman failed to appear for sentencing on 7 May.

His lawyers cited ill health, but the court rejected the explanation and directed that he be produced for sentencing on 13 May.

During Monday’s FCT High Court hearing, defence counsel Femi Atteh told the court that he did not know his client’s location.

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He said, “The DPPF told us at the Federal High Court that our client is now the state’s property.”

Justice Anenih adjourned the trial until Thursday, 14 May, for continuation of proceedings.

Saleh Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari from August 2019 until his removal in September 2021.

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