Abuja, Nigeria – On Thursday, former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman collapsed outside a Federal High Court in Abuja due to ill health, moments before his scheduled plea.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mamman, who was set to appear before Justice James Omotosho, collapsed outside the courtroom. His counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed the court of Mamman’s condition shortly after the case was called.
Upon resuming the hearing, Mamman entered the courtroom visibly drenched. Justice Omotosho inquired about his condition, to which Mamman explained that water had been poured on him after he collapsed.
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), confirmed the incident and discussed it with Ate outside the courtroom. Ate elaborated that Mamman had collapsed upon arrival at the court and required resuscitation by medical personnel.
Despite the incident, Mamman was served with the charge and affirmed his readiness to proceed with the arraignment. However, due to the court’s workload, the arraignment was rescheduled for late September, prompting Ate to withdraw the oral application for adjournment.
Olumide-Fusika mentioned an amended charge had been filed that morning due to a mistake in Mamman’s name, but Justice Omotosho deferred its reading. The judge then asked Mamman if he was fit to take his plea, and Mamman confirmed his readiness, attributing his collapse to medication taken on an empty stomach which caused a drop in blood pressure.
The arraignment was stepped down until 1 pm that day. The EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman, accusing him of laundering N33 billion and conspiring with ministry staff to divert N22 billion related to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. The investigation also revealed properties linked to the suspects and millions of naira and dollars recovered.
Mamman served under former President Buhari from 2019 to 2021 before being sacked in a cabinet restructuring in September 2021.