A witness in the trial of former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman has testified before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that the narration of funds paid into his account did not indicate they came from the ministry.
Abdullahi Suleiman, a bureau de change operator, said his companies received funds in their different bank accounts before and after Mamman’s tenure as minister.
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering worth N33.8 billion preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the cross-examination by the defence counsel on Tuesday, Femi Ate (SAN), Suleiman admitted that the funds contained in the Accountant General of the Federation entries were paid into his companies’ accounts.
The payments are: Fullest Utility Concept received N254m and N49.6m on May 9, 2018; N659.9m was received on January 16, 2019; and N407m was received on July 20, 2019.
Platinum Touch Enterprise Ltd received N849m on October 21, 2021, N86.5 m, 86.9m, and N97m on October 29, 2021.
Silverline Ocean Ventures received N90m on February 24, 2022; N82 m and N90m on March 30, 2022; Bureau Change received N90m and N92m on March 30, 2022; and Royal Promoter Venture received N85m.
The witness stated that he knew the money he received in 2023, while the EFCC was still investigating the matter, came from one Mustapha Abubakar Bida through Maina Goje, who was also questioned by the EFCC. He added that some funds (N217m) were returned to the anti-graft agency, including some dollars.
“I received money before and after the minister’s appointment and departure. Maina Goje did not tell me why he said I should pay the EFCC,” he said.
However, under re-examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Suleiman admitted that when the EFCC invited him to their office, they informed him that the funds came from the Ministry of Power.
A witness, Misbahu Idris from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Abuja, testified how he ran errands for Goje on the minister’s instructions.
He said he was appointed as Mamman’s Personal Assistant when he became a minister.
He testified about running errands for Goje based on the minister’s instructions.
Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho has adjourned the matter until Wednesday, 19th February, to continue the hearing.
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