The trial of Saleh Mamman, former Minister of Power, resumed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its 8th prosecution witness (PW8), Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change operator, who detailed how over ₦22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power during Mamman’s tenure.
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge brought by the EFCC, accusing him of conspiring to launder ₦33.8 billion.
Key Testimony by PW8
Under the lead examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Suleman disclosed that 12 business accounts under his control were used to channel funds from the Ministry of Power without any corresponding services rendered.
His companies, including Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, and others, were utilized in the alleged transactions. He further stated that he received instructions from Alhaji Maina Goje, who frequently used his accounts to receive the funds in naira before converting them to dollars.
Suleman revealed that:
Maina Goje introduced him to the scheme in 2019, where he would provide naira accounts, receive funds, and exchange them for US dollars as directed.
The funds transferred into his accounts totaled over ₦22 billion.
Mustapha Muhammed, identified as Goje’s superior at the Federal Ministry of Housing, also instructed Suleman to handle dollar requests.
Bank Records and Transactions
Suleman admitted that numerous transactions flowed through his accounts, including:
₦285.9 million on May 24, 2021
₦278.2 million on May 26, 2021
₦320 million on January 1, 2021
₦178.3 million on July 14, 2021
₦90.2 million on January 12, 2022
Bank statements provided by a Compliance Officer from FCMB corroborated the transactions. These records, alongside other documents, were admitted as evidence and marked Exhibit XTUB.
Implications and Next Steps
The EFCC alleged that the funds were fraudulently funneled through Suleman’s accounts under the guise of legitimate contracts and services. The judge adjourned the hearing to January 23, 2025, for further proceedings.
This trial highlights a significant case of alleged corruption involving a former minister and underscores the EFCC’s efforts to address financial crimes in Nigeria.
