Former power minister on trial for fraud collapses outside court, trial stalled

The trial of Saleh Mamman, the sacked Minister of Power in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was on Thursday stayed at the Federal High Court in Abuja over health issues.

In September 2021, Buhari sacked Mamman and then Agriculture Minister Sabo Nanono.

The former minister served under former President Buhari from 2019 to 2021.

Maman reportedly fainted outside the court before the case went to trial.

When the case was called before the presiding judge, James Omotosho, the former minister’s lawyer, Femi Ate, told Mamman that he needed to be defended.

When the trial resumed, the former minister entered the courtroom and stepped into the dock, his clothes partially soaked.

Justice Omotosho then asked Maman why he was sweating or if it was raining outside.

The former minister responded from the dock, saying water was thrown on him.

Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), told the court that while the matter was set to be arraigned by Mamman, something happened outside the court.

Also read: EFCC arrests former Power Minister Sale Mamman in N22 billion fraud

Olumide-Fusika said he discussed Maman’s health with Art outside the court.

“I have been informed that an incident has taken place outside. I want my senior lawyer to report to the court personally,” he said.

Art said Maman “fainted after being brought into the court and was resuscitated and treated by medical staff of the Federal High Court.”

He said his client was not charged until after he was resuscitated.

He added: “He has been served this morning.”

The lawyer said he asked Olumide-Fosika for indulgence in adjournment so that the arraignment can be held on Monday, when his client would be fine.

However, the judge said that due to the heavy court caseload, the arraignment could only be scheduled for the end of September.

Art then withdrew his oral application for an adjournment.

However, the judge asked Maman if he was in good health to accept the defense today, and Maman answered in the affirmative.

Maman, however, said he could proceed with the case.

“This could happen to anyone,” the judge said.

Justice Omotosho thereafter adjourned the hearing to Thursday afternoon.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed 12 money laundering charges against Maman, accusing him of laundering a total of N33 billion.