Alleged N31bn fraud: Court revokes ex-minister Saleh Mamman’s bail, orders arrest

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, has revoked the bail granted to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his absence in court during ongoing proceedings in an alleged N31 billion fraud case.

The development was disclosed in a statement posted on the official page of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on May 11, 2026.

According to the statement, Justice Maryann Anenih revoked Mamman’s bail on Monday after he failed to appear before the court to continue his trial on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and intent to defraud to the tune of N31,070,541,349.64.

The anti-graft agency stated that Mamman had not been seen publicly since May 7 2026, when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted him on a separate 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering amounting to N33.8 billion.

At the proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that the former minister was absent without explanation and that no reason had also been provided for his absence during his conviction by Justice Omotosho.

Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, however argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the defendant following the earlier conviction and warrant issued against him.

Oyedepo maintained that it was not the duty of the prosecution to explain the whereabouts of the defendant.

“A defendant without reasonable justification absented from trial. There was a warrant issued by the Federal High Court which is yet to be executed as the defendant is still in hiding,” Oyedepo told the court.

He further urged the court to revoke Mamman’s bail, issue a bench warrant for his arrest and summon his surety at the next adjourned date.

Justice Anenih granted the prosecution’s requests, revoked the bail and ordered that the trial should continue in the defendant’s absence in line with Section 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

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