Former Minister Saleh Mamman Collapses in Court as N33 Billion Money Laundering Trial Begins
Written by Deborah Oyinloye on July 11, 2024
Saleh Mamman, Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, collapsed outside a Federal High Court in Abuja earlier today, Thursday, July 11th, 2024, due to ill health, delaying the commencement of his money laundering trial.
The incident occurred before the case was called, with Mamman collapsing outside the courtroom. His counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho of the situation shortly after the case was called.
When the hearing resumed, Mamman appeared in court, visibly wet, prompting Justice Omotosho to inquire if it had been raining. Mamman explained from the dock that water had been poured on him after his collapse.
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), acknowledged the incident, stating that Mamman had been resuscitated and treated by the court’s medical personnel. Ate confirmed, “Upon being brought into the premises of the court, he collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the Federal High Court.”
Ate sought an adjournment for the arraignment until Monday to allow Mamman to recover fully, but Justice Omotosho noted the court’s busy schedule and proposed a rescheduling for late September instead. Ate subsequently withdrew the request for an adjournment.
Olumide-Fusika informed the court of an amended charge filed that morning due to an error in the defendant’s name and requested that the fresh charge be read to Mamman. However, Justice Omotosho opted to first assess Mamman’s fitness before proceeding. Mamman explained that his collapse was due to taking medication on an empty stomach, which caused his blood pressure to drop, but assured the court he was fit to continue.
During the proceedings, Mamman highlighted an error in the charge against him, asserting that the name listed was incorrect. The EFCC has filed a 12-count charge against Mamman, alleging money laundering offenses amounting to N33 billion. These charges relate to his tenure as Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021 under former President Buhari. Mamman was arrested on May 10, 2021, and accused of conspiring with ministry staff to divert approximately N22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. The investigation has uncovered properties linked to the suspects both in Nigeria and overseas, with significant sums of money reportedly recovered.
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Author: Deborah Oyinloye
With an interest in media, Deborah aims to impart the lives of people positively.
