Saleh Mamman,
Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change operator, has narrated how over N22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the federal ministry of power when Saleh Mamman was the minister.
In July 2024, the EFCC arraigned Mamman on a 12-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering and conspiracy with officials at the ministry and some private companies to “indirectly convert” N33.8 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
The former minister pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Testifying as the eighth prosecution witness at the court session on Wednesday, Suleman said funds were routed through 12 of his business accounts without any service or project being carried out.
The witness listed the companies involved as Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, First Class Construction and Project, Silverline Ocean Ventures, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, and Sipikin Global Enterprise.
Others include Spinhiills Biz International Limited, Fullest Utility Concepts Limited, Platinum Touch Enterprises, Breathable Investment Limited, and Gurupche Business Enterprises, a company owned by his brother. “From my rough calculations, the amount I have received through the transactions will be more than N22 billion,” he said.
Suleman added that he and one Maina Goje were involved in the transactions, stating, “We have been working together since 2019 till 2024.”
The witness also testified that he exchanged naira for dollars at Goje’s instruction and either handed over or transferred the funds as directed.
The court also reviewed the exhibit X series, which contained bank statements from Suleman’s companies.
