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.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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