A witness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has told a Federal High Court that the funds deposited into his account did not originate from the Ministry of Power.
Testifying in court, Abdullahi Suleiman, a bureau de change operator, stated that his companies received payments at various times before and after Mamman’s tenure as minister.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Mamman with a 12-count indictment related to a N33.8 billion money laundering conspiracy.
During cross-examination by defence counsel Femi Ate (SAN) on Tuesday, Suleiman confirmed that the Accountant General of the Federation’s records reflected payments to his companies. These included transfers to Fullest Utility Concept, Platinum Touch Enterprise Ltd, Silverline Ocean Ventures, Bureau Change, and Royal Promoter Venture between 2018 and 2022.
Suleiman explained that some funds he received in 2023, while the EFCC was investigating the case, came from one Mustapha Abubakar Bida through Maina Goje, who was also questioned by the anti-graft agency. He disclosed that N217 million, along with some foreign currency, had been returned to the EFCC.
“I received money before and after the minister’s appointment and departure. Maina Goje did not tell me why he asked me to make payments to the EFCC,” he said.
He also acknowledged that the transaction narrations referenced “Federal MI being payment for office consumer” and other similar descriptions.
However, under re-examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Suleiman admitted that the EFCC had informed him during questioning that the funds were traced back to the Ministry of Power.
Another witness, Misbahu Idris of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, testified that he worked with Mamman as a special assistant and helped facilitate fund disbursements following instructions from the ex-minister.
The court has adjourned the case until Wednesday for further cross-examination of the witness.
