Court Remands Buhari’s Minister Of Power, Mamman In Prison Despite Collapsing

A Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho, has ordered the remand of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in Kuje prison.

The order was issued on Thursday after Mamman pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge of money laundering brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The charges relate to an alleged ₦33 billion fraud linked to the misappropriation of funds designated for the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects.

According to the EFCC, the former minister is accused of diverting about ₦22 billion meant for these projects to acquire assets illegally within and outside Nigeria.

Mamman, who served under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, was arrested four months after his dismissal from the ministerial position in 2021.

His arraignment in court was dramatic as he collapsed in the court premises before the session and was revived by medical personnel present.

Following the incident, the counsel to the former minister, Femi Ate requested a delay in proceedings from the EFCC counsel, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika to ensure the arraignment could take place on Monday, when his client would be in a better state.

However, the judge informed them that the court was so busy with cases that the arraignment could only be rescheduled for the end of September.

Following this, Olumide-Fusika decided to cancel the request for a delay.

Despite his frail appearance and the preceding medical emergency, Mamman affirmed his fitness to proceed, attributing his collapse to an adverse reaction from taking medication without food.

After his plea, the court adjourned to hear his bail application on Friday.