In a dramatic turn of events, former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman collapsed outside a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, moments before his arraignment on a 12-count money laundering charge.
Mamman, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021, was rushed to the courtroom after receiving medical attention.
Despite his visible distress, he insisted on proceeding with the arraignment, according to Politics Nigeria.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has accused Mamman of involvement in money laundering offenses totaling N33 billion, allegedly committed during his tenure as Minister of Power.
The charges relate to conspiracies to divert funds from the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.
Mamman’s lawyer, Femi Ate, attributed his client’s collapse to ill health, while the former minister explained that taking medication on an empty stomach led to a drop in blood pressure.
The court session was briefly stalled due to Mamman’s condition, but he eventually pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has been adjourned until the end of September for further hearing.
Meanwhile, the EFCC has been investigating Mamman since his arrest in May 2021, uncovering significant assets and recovering substantial sums in naira and dollars linked to him and his associates.
