By Milcah Tanimu
The trial of Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, was postponed on Thursday after he collapsed just outside the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Naija News reports that Mamman, who was scheduled to appear in court for his trial, fainted before the proceedings began. His lawyer, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho of the incident when the trial was announced.
Upon resuming the hearing, Mamman entered the courtroom and took his place on the dock, with some of his clothing visibly soaked. Justice Omotosho inquired about Mamman’s condition, asking if he was overheating or if it was raining outside. Mamman explained from the dock that water had been poured on him.
The lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, mentioned that the trial had been scheduled but there was an unexpected incident outside the courtroom. Olumide-Fusika invited Ate to explain further.
Ate revealed that Mamman collapsed upon arrival at the court and had to be resuscitated and treated by the Federal High Court’s medical personnel. He added that Mamman was served with the charge after being resuscitated.
The senior lawyer requested a delay in proceedings until Monday to allow Mamman time to recover fully. However, Justice Omotosho, citing a busy court schedule, offered a rescheduled date at the end of September. Consequently, Ate withdrew the request for a delay.
Olumide-Fusika mentioned that a typo in the defendant’s name had been corrected earlier that morning and asked the court to read the updated charge to Mamman, but Justice Omotosho opposed this request.
The judge then inquired if Mamman felt fit to give his plea, and Mamman confirmed he was, explaining that he fainted due to not eating and the effects of medication, which caused a drop in his blood pressure while waiting outside.
Mamman assured the court that he was in good health and ready to proceed with the arraignment. “It can happen to anyone,” remarked the judge. Mamman also informed the judge that he had notified his attorney about an error in the name on the charge served to him.
Justice Omotosho then stepped down the arraignment until 1 PM.