The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, resumed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with Justice James Omotosho presiding. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its eighth witness, Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator.
Suleman testified about the alleged diversion of over N22 billion from the Federal Ministry of Power during Mamman’s tenure as Minister. He disclosed that the naira equivalent of the funds was exchanged for U.S. dollars through his business accounts.
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion. The EFCC alleges that the funds were siphoned through multiple companies linked to Suleman, including Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, and others. Suleman admitted that these accounts received payments from the ministry without delivering any services or projects.
In his testimony, Suleman explained that Maina Goje, a fellow BDC operator, orchestrated the transactions, instructing him to receive the funds and convert them into dollars. Suleman stated, “From my rough calculations, I received over N22 billion through these transactions.” He also mentioned that Goje introduced him to Mustapha Muhammed, an official with the Federal Ministry of Housing, who gave further instructions regarding the funds.
The court reviewed financial records showing significant transactions, including inflows of N285 million on May 24, 2021, N320 million on January 1, 2021, and several other large deposits between 2021 and 2022. Suleman confirmed these transactions and admitted using his accounts for the alleged diversions.
Earlier, a compliance officer from FCMB presented bank statements and other documents linking the accounts to the transactions. These were admitted into evidence as Exhibit XTUB.
The case has been adjourned to January 23, 2025, for further hearing.
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