The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, resumed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its eighth witness, Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, who detailed how over ₦22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power during Mamman’s tenure.
Suleman testified that the funds, which he claimed were transferred into his business accounts, were converted into United States dollars. He further stated that his companies had not rendered any services, executed any contracts, or undertaken any projects for the ministry.
Saleh Mamman is facing a 12-count charge brought by the EFCC, alleging conspiracy and money laundering involving ₦33,804,830,503.73.
Under examination by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Suleman disclosed that 12 of his business accounts, including those of Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, and others, received funds from the Federal Ministry of Power. He revealed that the transactions were facilitated through instructions given by Alhaji Maina Goje, whom Suleman described as a business associate.
Suleman narrated, “In 2019, Maina Goje approached me with a transaction proposal, asking for some of my account numbers. He would transfer funds, instruct me to convert the amounts to dollars, and occasionally direct transfers to other accounts. From my rough calculations, the total amount received through these transactions exceeds ₦22 billion.”
He also mentioned that in Goje’s absence, an associate named Musbhu, referred to as “Yaro Minister,” would deliver instructions. Additionally, Suleman identified a certain Mustapha Muhammed, introduced to him as Goje’s superior, who also gave directives on fund disbursement.
The EFCC presented several pieces of evidence, including bank statements and transaction records from Suleman’s companies. These were tendered as Exhibit X series, showing inflows such as:
- ₦285,983,285 on May 24, 2021
- ₦278,248,611 on May 26, 2021
- ₦320,000,000 on January 1, 2021
- ₦184,000,000 on June 18, 2021
- ₦178,300,285 on July 14, 2021
- ₦75,420,000 on August 5, 2021
Suleman confirmed receiving these amounts and acknowledged that they were linked to his dealings with Goje.
Additionally, a Compliance Officer from FCMB tendered documents including bank statements and correspondence submitted to the EFCC in August 2024. These records, associated with companies like Prymint Investments Limited, Platinum Touch Enterprises, and Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, were admitted into evidence as Exhibit XTUB.
Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter to January 23, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
This case highlights significant allegations of financial misconduct within the Federal Ministry of Power, underscoring the ongoing efforts of the EFCC to address corruption in public office.
