The arraignment of Mr Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, faced a delay on Thursday when he collapsed outside the courtroom of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Mamman, scheduled to enter his plea that morning, collapsed before proceedings began.
According to NAN, Mamman’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho about the incident when the case was called.
When the session resumed, Mamman entered the courtroom, visibly affected with parts of his clothes dampened.
Justice Omotosho inquired about Mamman’s condition, noting his sweating, asking if it was due to rain or another reason.
Mamman, speaking from the dock, explained that water had been poured on him.
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, representing the EFCC, acknowledged Mamman’s ill-health and discussed the situation with Ate outside the courtroom.
Ate disclosed that Mamman had collapsed upon arrival at the court premises and required medical attention before being served with the charges that morning.
Seeking an adjournment to Monday for Mamman’s arraignment, Ate cited his client’s recovery. However, due to court scheduling, the judge set the arraignment for late September.
During the session, Mamman confirmed his readiness to proceed with the plea, explaining his collapse was due to medication on an empty stomach, causing low blood pressure.
He also pointed out an error in the charge served to him by the EFCC.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the proceedings until 1 pm for further deliberations.
