Former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman collapsed outside a Federal High Court in Abuja today, forcing the postponement of his trial on charges of money laundering.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was scheduled to appear in court this morning to take his plea on the charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, before the proceedings began, he fainted outside the courtroom and had to be resuscitated by medical personnel.
His lawyer, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho of the development, stating that Mamman had been “drenched with water” and was in no state to proceed with the trial.
Ate requested a postponement of the arraignment to allow his client to recover, but the judge expressed concerns about the court’s busy schedule and fixed the arraignment for the end of September instead.
Mamman, who was helped into the courtroom by court officials, attributed his collapse to not eating and the effects of drugs he had taken.
However, he assured the judge that he was ready to proceed with the arraignment, stating that “it can happen to anyone.”
The former minister also raised concerns about an error in the name on the arrest warrant presented to him by the EFCC, which he claimed was not his own.
However, Justice Omotosho directed that the arraignment be stepped down until 1 pm today to allow for further proceedings.
The trial’s postponement has sparked speculation about Mamman’s health and the potential implications for his case.
As the former minister faces charges of money laundering, the drama in the courtroom has raised questions about the integrity of the legal process and the treatment of high-profile defendants.
