Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, collapsed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. Mamman was being arraigned for an alleged N33 billion fraud.
Mamman, who arrived at the court in drenched clothes, collapsed on the premises and had to be revived by medical personnel before the hearing commenced. His lawyer, Femi Ate (SAN), explained the situation to Justice James Omotosho and requested an adjournment due to Mamman’s condition. However, Justice Omotosho declined the request, citing a full docket, and instead granted a one-hour stand-down for Mamman to recover.
Despite his collapse, Mamman insisted he was fit to proceed with the hearing. He was subsequently arraigned on 12 counts of money laundering totaling N22 billion. Mamman pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecutor, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), requested a trial date, while the defense filed for bail. Justice Omotosho noted that the bail application was not currently before the court and adjourned the hearing of the bail application to today (Friday). In the meantime, Mamman was ordered to be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Mamman, who served as minister from 2019 to 2021, is accused of conspiring with ministry staff to divert funds allocated to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
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