Saleh Mamman bail revoked as FCT High Court issues arrest warrant after former minister failed to appear for trial

Justice Maryann Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday revoked the bail granted to former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman and issued a warrant for his arrest following his absence in court.

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The court action came days after Saleh Mamman was convicted on May 7, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 12 counts bordering on money laundering involving N33.8bn.

Saleh Mamman has reportedly remained out of public view since the conviction, with authorities yet to establish his whereabouts.

The former minister and seven others are currently facing another criminal prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before Justice Maryann Anineh on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and alleged intent to defraud involving N31.07bn.

During Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that the first defendant’s absence was obvious and unjustified.

Rotimi Oyedepo argued that no explanation had been provided by Saleh Mamman’s legal team regarding his failure to appear in court, adding that the former minister was also absent during proceedings that led to his conviction before Justice James Omotosho.

Counsel to the defendant, Femi Atteh, however, argued that the responsibility of producing Saleh Mamman after his conviction rested with the prosecution due to the existing bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.

In response, Rotimi Oyedepo maintained that it was not the duty of the prosecution to account for the whereabouts of the defendant.

“My lord, I do not hold the brief of the first defendant, so it is not my duty to inform the court of the whereabouts of his client,” the prosecutor stated.

He subsequently urged the court to revoke the former minister’s bail, issue a fresh bench warrant for his arrest and summon his surety at the next adjourned sitting.

Rotimi Oyedepo also requested that the trial continue in the defendant’s absence pursuant to Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

In her ruling, Justice Maryann Anineh granted the prosecution’s requests, revoked Saleh Mamman’s bail and issued a bench warrant compelling his appearance before the court.

The judge further ruled that proceedings would continue despite the defendant’s absence in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

The matter was adjourned until May 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.

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The development marks another dramatic twist in the high-profile corruption case involving the former minister, whose conviction and subsequent disappearance have intensified public scrutiny of the ongoing prosecution.