The FCT High Court in Maitama has revoked the bail of former Power Minister Saleh Mamman and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear for trial.
Justice Maryann Anineh ruled Monday that Mamman’s absence was unjustified. The former minister is facing a nine-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and intent to defraud to the tune of N31.07 billion.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court Mamman was also absent during his May 7 conviction on separate N33.8 billion money laundering charges before Justice James Omotosho, who had issued a bench warrant.
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Oyedepo said it was not the prosecution’s duty to produce the defendant and urged the court to revoke bail, issue a bench warrant, and summon the surety. He also asked that the trial continue in Mamman’s absence under Section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
Mamman’s counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued it was the prosecution’s responsibility to produce the defendant following his conviction and warrant from the Federal High Court.
Justice Anineh granted the prosecution’s requests, revoked bail, and ordered Mamman’s arrest. She ruled the trial would proceed in his absence as permitted by law.
The case was adjourned to May 14 for continuation.
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