By Paul Joseph
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has issued a fresh warrant for the arrest of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, after he failed to appear in court over an alleged N31 billion fraud case.
Justice Maryann Anenih gave the order on Monday following an application by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, who asked the court to continue proceedings in the absence of the former minister.
The judge subsequently granted the request and adjourned the matter until Thursday for continuation of trial.
The latest development marks the second arrest warrant issued against Mamman within days.
Earlier, on May 7, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted the former minister on 12 counts bordering on money laundering involving the alleged diversion of N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Trial judge Justice James Omotosho had also issued a bench warrant for Mamman’s arrest after he failed to appear for the judgment and fixed May 13 for sentencing.
At Monday’s proceedings, Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, told the court that he was unaware of his client’s whereabouts, adding that prosecutors had previously described the former minister as “the state’s property” following the earlier arrest order.
Responding, Oyedepo informed the court that the initial warrant had not yet been executed, insisting that Mamman deliberately absconded from trial and remained in hiding.
In the ongoing FCT High Court case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged Mamman and several others with conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and alleged diversion of funds linked to the Mambilla Power Project.
The anti-graft agency had presented financial records and account documents from multiple companies allegedly used to move the diverted funds during the trial.
Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2019 and 2021.
He had recently declared interest in the 2027 governorship election in Taraba State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
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