News
Ex-minister Mamman Collapses In Court
On Thursday, former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman collapsed outside the courtroom at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
His counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, informed Justice James Omotosho that Mamman, who was scheduled to take his plea that morning, had collapsed outside the courtroom before his case was called, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). When Mamman eventually entered the courtroom, his clothes were partially drenched.
Justice Omotosho inquired about Mamman’s condition, asking if it was raining outside. Mamman explained from the dock that he was soaked from the water used to revive him.
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), addressed the court, noting that although the matter was set for Mamman’s arraignment, an incident had occurred outside the courtroom. Olumide-Fusika mentioned discussing Mamman’s health issue with Ate outside the courtroom.
Ate elaborated, stating that Mamman had collapsed upon arriving at the court premises and was resuscitated and treated by the Federal High Court’s medical personnel. He mentioned that Mamman was served with the charge after being revived.
Ate requested an adjournment for the arraignment to be rescheduled for Monday, allowing time for Mamman to recover. However, the judge, citing the court’s busy schedule, could only offer a date at the end of September. Ate then withdrew his oral application for an adjournment.
Olumide-Fusika noted that he had filed an amended charge that morning due to an error in the defendant’s name and requested the court to read the fresh charge to Mamman for his plea. Justice Omotosho disagreed and asked Mamman if he was fit to proceed. Mamman affirmed he was, explaining that his collapse was due to taking medication on an empty stomach, which caused his blood pressure to drop while waiting outside the courtroom.
Mamman assured the court he was now fit to proceed with the arraignment, and Justice Omotosho deferred the arraignment until 1 pm.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the EFCC filed a 12-count money laundering charge against Mamman amounting to N33 billion. He was arrested on May 10, 2021, and detained at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
Former President Buhari dismissed Mamman and the then Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, in a cabinet restructuring in 2021. Mamman is accused of conspiring with ministry staff to divert about N22 billion related to the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects. Investigations uncovered properties in Nigeria and overseas linked to the suspects, and significant amounts of naira and dollars were reportedly recovered.
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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