Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, collapsed outside a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday due to ill health, causing his arraignment for money laundering to be delayed.
Mamman, who was scheduled to take his plea, collapsed before the case was called and was resuscitated by medical personnel. His counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho of the development, saying, “He collapsed outside the courtroom and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”
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The former minister explained to the court that he collapsed due to the drugs he took on an empty stomach, causing his blood pressure to drop. Despite his condition, Mamman insisted he was fit to continue with the arraignment, saying, “It can happen to anyone.”
Justice Omotosho asked Mamman if he was fit enough to take his plea, and he responded, “Yes, I’m fit.” The judge then asked if water was poured on him, and Mamman replied, “Yes, water was poured on me.”
READ ALSO: Former Power Minister, Saleh Mamman, to Face Trial for N33bn Money Laundering
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman, alleging he committed offenses to the tune of N33 billion. The former minister served under former President Buhari from 2019 to 2021 and was accused of conspiring with staff to divert about N22 billion.
The arraignment was eventually delayed until September, with Justice Omotosho saying, “Due to the workload in the court dockets, the arraignment could only be fixed for September ending.”
