Breaking: Court Declares Former Buhari Minister Sale Mamman Wanted
- Late president Muhammadu Buhari's former minister of power, Saleh Mamman, was declared wanted by a Federal High Court in Abuja
- The court's decision came after Mamman's earlier bail was revoked and a bench warrant for his arrest was issued
- Justice Maryann Anineh of the FCT High Court ordered Mamman's arrest after he failed to appear in court without any explanation during the hearing of his trial by the EFCC
Saleh 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of power under the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari, has been declared wanted after his earlier bail was revoked and a bench warrant for his arrest was issued by the FCT High Court in Maitama over allegations of a N31 billion fraud.
Justice Maryann Anineh ordered the arrest after the former minister failed to appear for proceedings without an explanation during his ongoing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He is being charged with conspiracy, false pretences, and intent to defraud.
Source: Twitter
Why the court declared Mamman wanted
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 Mamman's trial would continue in his absence. The case was subsequently adjourned to May 14, 2026.
According to Premium Times, the charges relate to the alleged 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 alleges that Mamman diverted public funds worth N31 billion.
In March 2026, the court rejected an application to halt the trial of Mamman and his co-defendants regarding the N31 billion corruption allegations. Mustapha Bida, the second defendant in the suit, filed the application.
Nigerians react as court declares Mamman wanted
However, the announcement by the EFCC has generated reactions from Nigerians. Below are some of their comments:
Badman Gadafi called for a stricter sentencing for any Nigerian convicted of corruption:
"Imagine money wey dem go use build at least their village or local government. One person steal am keep for himself. You people are not doing enough to persecute. Start sending these people to life imprisonment, at least 50 years for anyone who steals national money."
Source: Facebook
Douggierotty decried the effect of corruption in Nigeria:
"I swear down, on your watch, these people will dry the country, keep pampering these thieves called politicians."
Black Mamba wrote:
"Look at the face of the thief."
Metty lamented:
"This one again."
Read the full EFCC statement on X here:
Court stops former governor from contesting
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Federal High Court in Jalingo stopped the former governor of Taraba state, Rev. Jolly Nyame, from contesting any position in the 2027 elections.
Justice Mashkur Salisu ruled that the clemency granted to the former governor by the late president Muhammadu Buhari did not grant him the right to contest.
According to the court, the former governor would have to wait till the stipulated period in the constitution before contesting as an ex-convict.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
