Former Minister Mamman Collapses Outside Courtroom as Money Laundering Trial Commences

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to ill health.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mamman, whose plea was scheduled for Thursday morning, collapsed outside the courtroom before the case was called.

Mamman’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho of the incident when the case was called for hearing. Shortly after the court resumed, Mamman walked into the courtroom with part of his clothes drenched.

Justice Omotosho asked why Mamman was sweating and if it was raining outside. From the dock, Mamman explained that water was poured on him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, addressed the court, noting that although the arraignment was scheduled, there was a development outside the courtroom. He mentioned having a discussion with Ate about Mamman’s health condition.

Ate explained, “Upon being brought into the court premises, Mamman collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the Federal High Court’s medical personnel.” He added that Mamman was served with the charge after being resuscitated that morning.

Ate sought an adjournment, suggesting the arraignment be postponed to Monday when Mamman would be in better health. However, the judge indicated that the court’s schedule only allowed for a date at the end of September. Ate then withdrew the oral application for adjournment.

Olumide-Fusika mentioned filing an amended charge earlier in the morning due to a mistake in the defendant’s name and requested that the new charge be read to Mamman. However, Justice Omotosho disagreed with this approach.

The judge asked Mamman if he was fit to take his plea, to which Mamman responded affirmatively. He explained that he collapsed due to taking medication on an empty stomach, causing a drop in his blood pressure while waiting outside the courtroom.

Mamman expressed his readiness to proceed with the arraignment. Justice Omotosho acknowledged that such incidents could happen to anyone and stepped down the arraignment until 1 pm that day.

The EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman, alleging offenses amounting to N33 billion. Mamman served as Minister of Power under former President Buhari from 2019 to 2021. He was arrested and detained by the EFCC on May 10, 2021, and was later sacked on September 1, 2021, in a cabinet restructuring.

Mamman was accused of conspiring with ministry staff to divert approximately N22 billion from the accounts of the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. The investigations reportedly uncovered property linked to the suspects both in Nigeria and overseas, and millions of naira and dollars were recovered.