Sentence deferred till May 13 as EFCC seeks arrest warrant
The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12-count charges bordering on money laundering involving N33.8 billion, in a case that has raised concerns over possible flight from justice.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the ruling on Thursday, but deferred sentencing until May 13, 2026, following the absence of the former minister in court.
The court’s decision came amid growing apprehension over the possibility of the convict evading the pronouncement of his final sentence.
To prevent any attempt to leave the country before sentencing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, applied for a bench warrant for Mamman’s arrest to ensure his appearance in court on the adjourned date.
The prosecution argued that the warrant had become necessary to secure the presence of the convict and prevent any risk of absconding before the conclusion of proceedings.
