Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, collapsed outside a Federal High Court in Abuja before his arraignment on Thursday. His lawyer, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho that Mamman had fainted and was resuscitated by medical personnel at the court.
When Mamman entered the courtroom, part of his clothing was drenched.
Justice Omotosho asked why he was wet, and Mamman explained, “I was soaked with the water that was poured to resuscitate me.”
Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, confirmed the incident and mentioned that he had discussed Mamman’s health with Ate outside the courtroom.
Ate explained, “Upon being brought into the premises of the court, he collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel.”
He added that Mamman was served with the charge after being revived and requested an adjournment for the arraignment.
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Due to the court’s busy schedule, Justice Omotosho could only reschedule the arraignment for the end of September. Ate then withdrew his request for an adjournment.
Despite his earlier collapse, Mamman assured the judge that he was fit to proceed, stating that he had fainted because he took medication on an empty stomach, which caused his blood pressure to drop.
The EFCC had filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman, involving N33 billion. He was arrested in May 2021 and detained by the anti-graft agency.
Former President Buhari had dismissed Mamman in 2021 during a cabinet restructuring, accusing him of conspiring to divert funds meant for major hydroelectric power projects.