The former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on Thursday, reportedly fainted outside the Federal High Court in Abuja just before his plea hearing was supposed to take place.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Mamman was outside the courtroom waiting for his case to be called when he collapsed. His counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho of the incident as the former minister was called to take his plea.
Ate spoke for Mamman and explained that when Mamman was taken to court, he fainted and needed medical attention from the Federal High Court’s medical staff to be revived.
When the hearing recommenced, Mamman returned to the courtroom and stood in the dock, his clothing slightly damp. Justice Omotosho, seeing Mamman’s wet clothes, asked if it had been raining. Mamman, while in the dock, clarified that he was wet from the water used to revive him after he fainted.
The EFCC had accused Mamman of money laundering, filing a 12-count charge amounting to N33 billion. It is alleged that Mamman collaborated with Ministry of Power employees to divert around N22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. Authorities have discovered assets in Nigeria and abroad connected to the individuals involved, with millions of naira and dollars reportedly seized during investigations.
Mamman blamed his fainting spell on taking medication without eating, which led to a drop in his blood pressure while waiting outside the courtroom. However, he reassured the court that he was well enough to continue with the arraignment.
The court is still examining the accusations against the ex-minister as the case unfolds.
