ABUJA — A High Court in Nigeria’s capital on Monday issued a bench warrant for former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing. The order, handed down by Justice Maryann Anenih, marks the second arrest warrant issued against Mamman within a week.
The warrant followed a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who urged the court to continue the trial in Mamman’s absence. “Application granted to proceed without the first defendant and application for bench warrant granted,” Justice Anenih ruled.
Mamman faces charges of conspiracy, false pretences and intent to defraud the Federation of approximately N3 billion, alongside seven co‑accused: Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua and Ogunjobi Olusila. The eight were arraigned before Justice Anenih on 16 October 2025 and entered not‑guilty pleas. At the resumed hearing, all co‑defendants were present, while Mamman remained absent.
The case is separate from a prior Federal High Court proceeding in which Mamman was convicted in absentia for a N33 billion fraud, though sentencing has not yet been determined. That court, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, also ordered Mamman’s arrest. Prosecutor Oyedepo told the High Court that the earlier warrant had not been executed.
Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, explained the defendant’s whereabouts were unknown. “I do not know where he is. The DPPF told us at the Federal High Court that our client is now the state’s property,” Atteh said, noting the Directorate’s duty to produce Mamman. Oyedepo countered that the prosecution had not abandoned its responsibility and that Mamman’s failure to appear amounted to absconding.
The judge adjourned the matter until Thursday, allowing the trial to continue. The issuance of the bench warrant underscores the judiciary’s resolve to enforce accountability in high‑profile corruption cases and signals that the courts will pursue the proceedings despite the former minister’s continued non‑appearance.
