Justice Maryann Anineh of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, on Monday revoked the bail granted to former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his failure to appear in court.

Mamman, who is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), was absent at the hearing without any explanation from his legal team.

The former minister had earlier been convicted on May 7, 2026, by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering involving about N33.8 billion.

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In the ongoing trial before Justice Anineh, Mamman and seven others are being prosecuted on a nine-count charge involving conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and alleged fraud amounting to over N31.07 billion.

At Monday’s proceedings, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that Mamman’s absence was unjustified, noting that neither the defendant nor his counsel had provided any reason for failing to attend court.

In response, defence counsel Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the defendant following his conviction and the earlier bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.

However, Oyedepo countered that it was not the duty of the prosecution to account for the defendant’s whereabouts, urging the court to revoke his bail, issue a bench warrant, and summon his surety.

He also asked the court to proceed with the trial in Mamman’s absence, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

In her ruling, Justice Anineh granted the prosecution’s requests, revoked Mamman’s bail, and ordered his arrest.

She further ruled that the trial would continue in his absence in line with the provisions of the law.

The case was adjourned to May 14, 2026, for continuation of trial.