An Abuja High Court issued a warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman on Monday after he failed to appear for trial. This marks the second arrest warrant issued against Mamman within seven days. Justice Maryann Anenih granted the application for a bench warrant following a request by Director of Public Prosecutions Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Mamman and seven others—Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusila—with conspiracy, false pretenses, and intent to defraud to the tune of N3 billion. The defendants were first arraigned before Justice Anenih on October 16, 2025, and all pleaded not guilty. At the Monday hearing, Mamman's co-defendants appeared in court, but he did not. Justice Anenih ordered proceedings to continue in his absence. Oyedepo informed the court that a previous warrant issued by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in another case—where Mamman was convicted in absentia over a N33 billion fraud—has not been executed. Mamman's lawyer, Femi Atteh, SAN, stated he did not know his client's whereabouts and argued that the DPPF now bears responsibility for producing him, saying, "Our client is now the state's property." Oyedepo rejected the claim, asserting that Mamman remains in hiding and that no obligation has been shirked by the prosecution. Justice Anenih adjourned the case until Thursday for continuation of trial proceedings.
Saleh Mamman is now legally declared a fugitive by two separate courts within a week, yet remains unapprehended despite a DPPF statement that he is in state custody. His lawyer's claim that Mamman belongs to the state collides with the prosecution's assertion that he is in hiding. The unresolved custody question leaves a gap in accountability while the judicial process continues without him. This undermines public confidence in the enforcement of court orders against high-profile defendants.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
