Former Power Minister Saleh Mamman Collapses Amid N33bn Fraud Case
Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power in Nigeria, dramatically collapsed outside the Federal High Court in Abuja. The incident occurred on Thursday, July 11, 2024, just before his hearing on charges of money laundering amounting to N33,804,830,503. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought a 12-count charge against Mamman, who was previously appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mamman’s Health Scare Outside the Courtroom
As Mamman arrived at the court premises, he suddenly collapsed, causing immediate concern among those present. His lawyer, Femi Ate, quickly informed Judge James Omotosho of the situation, citing Mamman’s ill health as the cause. “Upon being brought into the premises of the court, Mamman collapsed and had to be resuscitated and treated by the medical personnel of the federal high court,” Ate reported.
When the hearing resumed, Mamman appeared visibly distressed and partially drenched, leading the judge to inquire about his condition. Mamman explained that water had been poured on him after his collapse. Despite the health scare, Mamman confirmed that he was fit to proceed with the hearing, noting that his collapse was due to taking medication on an empty stomach, which caused his blood pressure to drop.
Legal Proceedings and Charges Against Mamman
The charges against Mamman stem from his alleged involvement in a substantial money laundering scheme. According to the EFCC, Mamman conspired with officials from the power ministry and several private companies to misappropriate N33.8 billion intended for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. This case has significant implications, given the large sums of money and the critical nature of the projects involved.
During the court session, EFCC counsel Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika highlighted the need to read an amended charge to Mamman, correcting a mistake in the defendant’s name. Despite Mamman’s health issues, he assured the court that he was ready to proceed with the arraignment. Judge Omotosho inquired about Mamman’s fitness to stand trial, to which Mamman responded affirmatively.
The Road Ahead for Saleh Mamman
Saleh Mamman’s legal troubles began in May 2023 when he was arrested by the EFCC over an alleged N22 billion fraud. His collapse outside the courtroom adds another layer of complexity to his case, drawing significant media attention and public scrutiny. The judge initially scheduled the arraignment for September due to the court’s backlog but later stepped down the arraignment until 1 pm on the same day.
Mamman’s tenure as the Minister of Power, which lasted from August 2019 to September 2021, was marked by controversies and allegations of corruption. His current legal battle is a critical test of Nigeria’s judicial system and its ability to handle high-profile corruption cases. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by those concerned with transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector.
