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By John Azu
An FCT High Court has issued a bench warrant against a convicted former Minister of Power, Engr Saleh Mamman following his absence in a money laundering case worth N31 billion.
Justice Maryanne Aninih on Monday issued the warrant for the defendant’s arrest following his absence from court in a separate 9-count charge bordering on conspiracy, false pretence and intent to defraud.
Judge Anenih ordered Mr Mamman’s arrest on Monday, after the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, requested an order for his arrest and the continuation of the trial despite his absence.
Defence counsel, Femi Ateh (SAN) could not explain his client’s whereabouts.
Mamman was last week convicted by a Federal High Court in Abuja in a 12-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant. The defendant did not offer any credie evidence to rebut the prosecution’s case,” the judge said.
The EFCC case in file number FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024 bordered on the mismanagement of funds in the Mambilla Hydropower and Zungeru Hydroelectric projects during his tenure under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
Justice Omotosho noted that most of the funds released by the federal via the budgets were diverted through bureau de change (BDC) operators who converted the funds into foreign currencies and sent to him.
The judge also found the ex-minister guilty of criminal breach of trust, adding that he made a cash payment of $655,700, about N200 million for a landed property without using a financial institution.
On the charges before the FCT High Court, Mamman and seven others, namely, Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua and Ogunjobi Olusila were jointly arraigned.
The EFCC tendered mandate forms and bank documents on some companies known as: Spinhills Biz International Limited, Silverline Ocean Ventures Limited, Beaver Builders Limited, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Breathable Investment Limited, First-class construction Project limited, Royal Perimeter Ventures, Dannywest Limited, Dorino Bright Limited, Sipikin Global Ventures Limited, and Fullest Utility Concepts Limited.