The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, resumed on 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 eighth witness, Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, who detailed the alleged misappropriation of over ₦22 billion from the Federal Ministry of Power during Mamman’s tenure.
Suleman testified that approximately 12 of his business accounts received substantial funds from the ministry without rendering any services or executing contracts. His companies, including Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, and Mintedge Nigeria Limited, among others, were reportedly used for these transactions. He recounted that in 2019, fellow BDC operator Maina Goje approached him for account numbers to facilitate transactions. Goje would transfer funds into these accounts, which Suleman would then convert to U.S. dollars and return to Goje or transfer to other accounts as instructed. Suleman estimated that the total amount funneled through these transactions exceeded ₦22 billion.
The EFCC has charged Mamman with a 12-count indictment, alleging conspiracy to commit money laundering amounting to ₦33,804,830,503.73. Investigations revealed that funds intended for significant power projects, such as the Zungeru and Mambilla Hydro Electric Power projects, were diverted to private entities and individuals not authorized to receive such payments. Notably, the EFCC uncovered that multiple transfers were made from the Mambilla project account to various BDC operators, who then disbursed the funds in foreign currencies or via bank transfers based on instructions from officials within the ministry.
In July 2024, Mamman was granted bail set at ₦10 billion by the Federal High Court in Abuja. The bail conditions required two sureties possessing properties within the Federal Capital Territory valued at a minimum of ₦750 million each. Additionally, both the defendant and the sureties were mandated to submit certified copies of their bank statements and recent passport photographs, with Mamman required to surrender his international passport to the court registrar.
The court has adjourned the proceedings to January 23, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.
