In a dramatic court session at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, was remanded in Kuje prison after pleading not guilty to charges of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mamman, who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, faces a 12-count charge related to an alleged N33 billion fraud. The charges specifically accused him of conspiring with ministry employees to divert approximately N22 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
According to the EFCC, these funds were purportedly used to acquire assets both locally and internationally.
The proceedings were marked by a moment of distress when Mamman reportedly slumped before his arraignment. Court medical personnel and attorneys rushed to his aid, ultimately reviving him. Despite appearing weak and unwell, Mamman entered the dock with visibly soaked clothes, prompting the trial judge, James Omotosho, to inquire about his condition.
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Unaware of the circumstances outside the courtroom, Judge Omotosho initially queried Mamman about being caught in the rain. Mamman, from the dock, clarified that he had collapsed and water had been thrown on him to revive him.
Following this incident, Mamman’s legal team, led by Mr. Femi Ate, SAN, informed the court that their client had collapsed upon arrival at the court premises but had since been treated and served with a copy of the charges against him. The defense had previously discussed a possible postponement of the arraignment due to Mamman’s condition.
However, the prosecution, represented by Mr. Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, noted that the charge served to Mamman was an amended version, correcting a minor error in his name. He urged the court to proceed with the arraignment.
Judge Omotosho, considering the circumstances and the court’s workload, initially suggested a postponement until September. However, upon Mamman’s assertion that he was fit to plead and attributing his collapse to medication taken without eating, the court recessed for an hour before reconvening.
After the break, Mamman formally entered a plea of not guilty to the amended charges. The court then remanded him in Kuje prison pending a bail hearing scheduled for the following day, Friday.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for corruption allegations within the Nigerian government, highlighting ongoing efforts by authorities to address financial misconduct at the highest levels.
