ABUJA— Former Minister of Power, Mr. Saleh Mamman, who is facing a 12-count money laundering charge, yesterday, slumped at a Federal High Court in Abuja, shortly before his scheduled arraignment.
Mamman, who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was dragged before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over his alleged complicity in a N33 billion fraud.
He was arrested in 2021, four months after he was removed from office by ex-President Buhari.
EFCC, among other things, alleged that he conspired with staff members of the ministry to divert N22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
The anti-graft agency said its investigations revealed that the suspects used the funds to acquire choice assets, both within and outside the country.
The ex-minister was billed to enter his plea to the allegations before trial Justice James Omotosho.
However, before the matter could be called, the defendant collapsed outside the courtroom.
It took the help of both lawyers and a team of medical personnel from the court to revive him.
Eventually, the defendant, who looked frail and ill, walked into the courtroom and entered inside the dock with part of his clothes drenched.
The trial judge, who was not aware of what transpired outside the courtroom, queried the defendant to ascertain if he was exposed to rain.
Responding from the dock, Mamman explained that water was poured on him after he collapsed.
His lawyer, Mr. Femi Ate, SAN, confirmed the development after the prosecution counsel, Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, told the court that his attention was also drawn to the situation.
On his part, the prosecution counsel told the court that what was served on the defendant was an amended charge. He said the amendment was effected to correct an error in the name of the defendant.
After he had listened to both sides, Justice Omotosho said he could only adjourn the matter till September in view of the heavy workload the court is faced with.
Following the position of the court, Ake withdrew his oral application for an adjournment.
The defendant also confirmed to the court that he was fit and ready to take his plea, explaining that he collapsed as a result of a medication he took without food.
Source | Vanguard
