Court revokes Saleh Mamman’s bail and orders $31 billion in jail…

The FCT High Court in Maitama has revoked former Energy Minister Saleh Mamman’s bail and issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear at trial.

Judge Maryann Anineh ruled Monday that Mamman’s absence was unexcused. The former minister is facing a nine-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining false pretenses and intent to defraud to the tune of N31.07 billion.

Prosecuting lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, told the court that Mamman was also absent during his May 7 sentencing on separate N33.8 billion money laundering charges before Justice James Omotosho, who had issued a warrant for his arrest.

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Oyedepo said it was not the duty of the prosecution to produce the accused and urged the court to revoke bail, issue a warrant of arrest and summon the surety. He also requested that the trial continue in Mamman’s absence under section 352(4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Atteh, SAN, argued that it was the responsibility of the prosecution to produce the accused following his conviction and the Federal High Court’s warrant.

Judge Anineh granted the prosecution’s requests, revoked bail and ordered Mamman’s arrest. He ruled that the trial would proceed in his absence as permitted by law.

The case was adjourned to May 14 for continuation.

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