A prosecution witness in the trial of ex-Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, denied knowing him personally.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, is hearing the case involving alleged conspiracy and money laundering charges against Mamman.
Mamman faces 12-count charges from the EFCC, alleging laundering of over N33 billion from 2019 to 2023.
The EFCC accused Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private companies to convert N33.8 billion illegally.
These funds were linked to Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects, violating the Money Laundering Act.
The EFCC claims Mamman should have reasonably known the funds were part of unlawful activities during his tenure.
Witness Testimonies Unfold
Prosecution Witness 9 (PW9), Abdullahi Suleiman, confirmed collecting funds but denied personally knowing Mamman during cross-examination.
Suleiman said EFCC officials informed him the collected funds were intended for former Minister Saleh Mamman.
When asked about transactions after Mamman’s tenure, Suleiman claimed he returned the funds directly to the EFCC.
Saleh Mamman was appointed Minister of Power on August 21, 2019, and left office on September 1, 2021.
Additionally, Musbahu Idris, Mamman’s former Personal Assistant (PW10), admitted working for Mamman until his dismissal in 2021.
Idris revealed collecting funds from Bureau De Change operators on instructions from Mustapha Bida, an Accountant General’s staff.
Idris confirmed owning two houses—one in Abuja and another in Taraba—allegedly funded through the collected transactions.
He also disclosed that Mustapha Bida purchased him a car, although he never filed assets with the Conduct Bureau.
However, Mamman denied instructing Idris to collect any funds, refusing responsibility for any financial refunds.
Idris stated that he refunded a total sum of N190 billion to the EFCC following investigations and interrogations.
Further Revelations from PW11
Prosecution Witness 11 (PW11), Maina Goje, a Bureau De Change operator, confirmed Suleiman as his business partner for 28 years.
Goje stated that Mustapha Bida requested access to company accounts to convert funds from naira into dollars.
According to Goje, Idris frequently collected dollar equivalents or instructed transfers to designated bank accounts.
Goje also mentioned knowing Mustapha Bida personally for approximately 20 years through business dealings and transactions.
The court adjourned the trial to March 4, 5, 18, and 19, 2025, for Maina Goje’s cross-examination.
