The arraignment of Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power during ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, was postponed at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday due to health issues.
Mamman, scheduled to enter his plea that morning, collapsed outside the courtroom before proceedings commenced.
His lawyer, Femi Ate, informed Justice James Omotosho of the incident when the case was called. Mamman later entered the courtroom, visibly affected, and proceeded to the dock.
Concerned about Mamman’s condition, Justice Omotosho queried the cause of his distress, noting his disheveled appearance. Mamman explained from the dock that he had been drenched with water.
Addressing the court, EFCC’s counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, acknowledged Mamman’s ill-health, which had been discussed with Ate outside the courtroom.
Ate elaborated that Mamman had collapsed upon arriving at the court premises and required medical attention before being served with the charges that morning.
The defense requested an adjournment to Monday for Mamman’s arraignment, citing his recovery. However, due to the court’s schedule, Justice Omotosho set the next hearing for late September.
Olumide-Fusika mentioned a recent correction to the charge and proposed its immediate reading to Mamman. Despite this, the judge opted to delay the plea-taking.
When asked, Mamman confirmed his readiness to proceed, explaining his collapse as a result of medication taken on an empty stomach, causing a drop in blood pressure.
The judge temporarily suspended the arraignment until later in the day. Mamman faces a 12-count money laundering charge amounting to N33 billion, relating to his tenure from 2019 to 2021 under former President Buhari.
He had been detained by the EFCC in May 2021 following his arrest.
