Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja due to ill health. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mamman, whose plea was scheduled for Thursday morning, collapsed before the case was called.

Mamman’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho of the situation when the court convened. Upon resuming the hearing, the ex-minister entered the courtroom and stepped into the dock, visibly drenched in sweat. Justice Omotosho inquired if it was raining outside, to which Mamman replied that water had been poured on him.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) lawyer, Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, acknowledged the incident and discussed Mamman’s ill health with Ate outside the courtroom. Ate explained that Mamman had collapsed upon arriving at the court premises and was resuscitated and treated by the Federal High Court's medical personnel. Mamman was served with the charge after being resuscitated.

Ate requested an adjournment to allow Mamman to recover, but the judge, due to a heavy court docket, could only reschedule the arraignment for late September. Ate then withdrew the oral application for an adjournment.

Olumide-Fusika mentioned that a mistake in Mamman's name had led to the filing of an amended charge that morning and requested the court to read the fresh charge. However, Justice Omotosho disagreed. The judge asked Mamman if he felt fit enough to proceed with the plea, to which Mamman affirmed.

Mamman explained that he collapsed due to taking medication on an empty stomach, which caused his blood pressure to drop while waiting outside the courtroom. He assured the court that he was now fit to continue with the arraignment. The judge remarked that such incidents could happen to anyone.

Mamman also informed the court that he had noticed an error in the EFCC’s charge regarding his name and had brought it to his lawyer’s attention.