The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, over his absence from the court.
Maryann Anineh, the presiding judge, on Monday, revoked the
bail earlier granted to Mamman.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is
prosecuting the former minister alongside seven others on a nine-count charge
bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and intent to defraud to
the tune of N31 billion.
Mamman is also facing separate charges at the federal high
court in Abuja.
He served as minister of power under the late former
President Muhammadu Buhari from August 21, 2019, to September 1, 2021
BACKGROUND
On May 7, Mamman was convicted at the federal high court in
Abuja on all 12 counts preferred against him by the EFCC.
James Omotosho, the trial judge, held that he was satisfied
that the anti-graft agency had successfully established the ex-minister’s
culpability beyond a reasonable doubt.
The judge deferred his sentencing to May 13.
The defendant was absent when he was convicted and court
issued arrest warrant against him.
In July 2024, the EFCC arraigned Mamman on a 12-count charge
bordering on alleged money laundering and conspiracy with officials at the
ministry and some private companies to “indirectly convert” N33.8 billion meant
for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
MONDAY’S PROCEEDINGS
During the proceedings on Monday, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to
the EFCC, told the court that Mamman was absent and that his lawyer did not
give any reason for his absence.
Oyedepo said no reason was also given for the former
minister’s absence the during his conviction at the federal high court in
Abuja.
Responding, Femi Atteh, Mamman’s counsel, said it is the
responsibility of the prosecutor to produce the defendant after the federal
high court in Abuja issued a bench warrant against him.
Countering Atteh’s comment, Oyedepo said it was not his
responsibility to tell the court of Mamman’s whereabouts as he does not represent him.
The EFCC counsel urged the court to issue a bench warrant
against the defendant and revoke his bail.
“My lord, I do not hold the brief of the first defendant, so
it is not my duty to inform the court of the whereabouts of his client,”
Oyedepo was quoted in a statement released by the anti-graft agency.
“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.
“I apply that his bail be revoked and that my lordship
issues a bench warrant against him and to also summon the surety on the next
adjourned date.”
Oyedepo urged the court to proceed with the trial in
Mamman’s absence, citing section 352 (4) of the Administration of Criminal
Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.
In her ruling, the judge revoked Mamman’s bail and issued a
bench warrant for his appearance in court on the next adjourned date.
She held that the trial would continue in Mamman’s absence
in accordance with Section 352 of ACJA 2015.
The matter was adjourned till May 14 for the continuation of
trial.
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