Salem Mamman, the former minister of power under the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari, has been declared wanted after his earlier bail was revoked and a bench warrant for his arrest was issued by the FCT High Court in Maitama over the allegation of N31 billion fraud.
Justice Maryann Anineh of the trial court ordered the arrest after the former minister failed to appear for proceedings without any explanation during his ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is being charged for conspiracy, false pretence and the intent to defraud.
Photo Credit: @Imranmuhdz
Source: Twitter
According to the anti-graft agency, the former minister had been missing since May 7, 2026, when Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court first convicted him on a separate 12-count charge, bordering on money laundering involving N33.8 billion.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the prosecuting counsel, had urged the court to revoke the bail earlier granted to Mamman and continue the hearing in his absence. He cited the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
Oyedepo’s request was granted by Justice Anineh, who ordered the arrest of the former minister. The judge held that Momman’s trial will continue in his absence. The case was subsequently adjourned to May 14, 2026.
According to Premium Times, the charges relate to the allegation of diversion of funds assigned for the Mambilla Power Project. The EFCC alleged that the former minister instructed the diversion of N26 billion using Bureau de Change operators. In this case, the anti-graft agency alleged that Mamman diverted public funds worth N31 billion.
Source: Legit.ng