Alleged N33.8bn fraud: Witness reveals how over N22bn was funneled through BDC accounts from ministry of power
The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, resumed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its eighth witness (PW8), Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, who disclosed shocking details of how over N22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power during Mamman’s tenure.
Mamman faces a 12-count charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering amounting to N33,804,830,503.73. The EFCC alleges the funds were laundered through various accounts and channeled into personal and business ventures.
While being led in evidence by EFCC’s counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Suleman narrated that his 12 business accounts were used to facilitate the transactions, despite not rendering any services or executing any contracts.
“I know Alhaji Maina Goje; we are in the same business. Sometime in 2019, he approached me to use some of my accounts for transactions. He would send money into my accounts, and I would provide him with the dollar equivalent,” Suleman said.
According to the witness, the transactions, which continued until 2024, totaled over N22 billion. He revealed the accounts involved, including Prymint Investment Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, and others.
“Goje sometimes sent someone called Musbhu to give me instructions. We called him ‘Yaro Minister’ because he was close to Saleh Mamman,” he added. Suleman also disclosed another key figure, Mustapha Muhammed, who Goje described as “his oga” and an employee of the Federal Ministry of Housing. “Goje introduced me to him and told me to provide dollars to him whenever required,” Suleman stated.
The prosecution presented several financial documents as evidence, including bank statements and transaction records from Suleman’s accounts. Among the notable inflows were: N285,983,285 on May 24, 2021; N320 million on January 1, 2021; N90,247,395 on January 12, 2022; and multiple other transactions totaling billions. Suleman admitted to receiving the funds, confirming that they were part of the alleged scheme orchestrated by Goje and others.
Earlier, an FCMB Compliance Officer tendered additional bank statements and correspondence linked to the investigation. These were admitted as evidence by the court and marked as Exhibit XTUB. Justice James Omotosho adjourned the trial to January 23, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.
The case continues to unveil layers of alleged corruption, shedding light on how public funds were funneled through BDCs and used for personal enrichment.
The revelations in this trial highlight the challenges in combating systemic corruption within Nigeria’s public institutions. The EFCC’s efforts to trace the funds and hold those involved accountable remain a critical step in ensuring transparency and justice.
