On Thursday, former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman collapsed outside the courtroom at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
His counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho that Mamman, who was scheduled to take his plea that morning, had collapsed outside the courtroom before his case was called, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). When Mamman eventually entered the courtroom, his clothes were partially drenched.
Justice Omotosho inquired about Mamman’s condition, asking if it was raining outside. Mamman explained from the dock that he was soaked from the water used to revive him.
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), addressed the court, noting that although the matter was set for Mamman’s arraignment, an incident had occurred outside the courtroom. Olumide-Fusika mentioned discussing Mamman’s health issue with Ate outside the courtroom.
Ate elaborated, stating that Mamman had collapsed upon arriving at the court premises and was resuscitated and treated by the Federal High Court’s medical personnel. He mentioned that Mamman was served with the charge after being revived.
Ate requested an adjournment for the arraignment to be rescheduled for Monday, allowing time for Mamman to recover. However, the judge, citing the court’s busy schedule, could only offer a date at the end of September. Ate then withdrew his oral application for an adjournment.
Olumide-Fusika noted that he had filed an amended charge that morning due to an error in the defendant’s name and requested the court to read the fresh charge to Mamman for his plea. Justice Omotosho disagreed and asked Mamman if he was fit to proceed. Mamman affirmed he was, explaining that his collapse was due to taking medication on an empty stomach, which caused his blood pressure to drop while waiting outside the courtroom.
Mamman assured the court he was now fit to proceed with the arraignment, and Justice Omotosho deferred the arraignment until 1 pm.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the EFCC filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman amounting to N33 billion. He was arrested on May 10, 2021, and detained at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Former President Buhari dismissed Mamman and the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, in a cabinet restructuring in 2021. Mamman is accused of conspiring with ministry staff to divert about N22 billion related to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. Investigations uncovered properties in Nigeria and overseas linked to the suspects, and significant amounts of naira and dollars were reportedly recovered.