A witness introduced by the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) has informed the Federal Excessive Courtroom, Abuja, {that a} former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, allegedly fraudulently paid the greenback equal of N200 million in money for the acquisition of a five-bedroom property in Wuse, Abuja.
The EFCC, via its witness, Mohammed Ashelk Jidda, gave this testimony on Wednesday earlier than Justice James Omotosho.
Nairametrics studies that the ex-minister is going through a 12-count amended cash laundering cost introduced in opposition to him by the EFCC, amounting to N33 billion.
Mamman had pleaded not responsible to the fees upon his arraignment earlier than the court docket.
EFCC’s Allegations
Nairametrics beforehand reported that the court docket granted Mamman N10 billion bail on July 12, 2024.
The bail was granted by Justice James Omotosho.
- Nairametrics additionally reported that former President Muhammadu Buhari relieved Mamman of his place in 2021, paving the way in which for an impartial and important assessment of his efficiency.
- Three years later, the EFCC arraigned him on Thursday, July 11, 2024, accusing him of conspiracy in workplace.
- He’s alleged to have conspired with different ministry officers and personal firms to divert and convert N33,804,830,503.73 via numerous personal firms in violation of related legal guidelines.
The EFCC’s authorized staff argued that Mamman’s actions amounted to a prison breach of belief regarding funds launched for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Energy Plant tasks by the Federal Authorities of Nigeria.
Courtroom Proceedings
On the resumed listening to on Wednesday, Jidda, a businessman and the preliminary proprietor of the five-bedroom property situated at No. 12A & B Lungi Road, Wuse 2, Abuja, testified that Mamman allegedly visited his workplace on Gimbiya Road, Garki, Abuja, and paid him the greenback equal of N200 million in money for the property.
- He was led in proof by the prosecution lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN.
“The minister got here to my workplace with Mohammed Hussein and two different individuals to pay me the cash. We had mentioned that they’d convey naira, however they got here with {dollars}. We counted the cash and handed over the property. The doc was signed between my firm, Mohibat Funding Restricted, and Mohammed Hussein as instructed by the minister.
“First, Bitrus informed me that it was the minister who was shopping for the property. The minister was the one who instructed me to signal with Mohammed Hussein,” the witness mentioned.
- Jidda then recognized and confirmed the extra-judicial assertion he made to the EFCC, together with the deed of settlement for the property.
- The paperwork had been tendered earlier than the court docket and admitted as proof.
Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter till March 18 and 19, 2025, for additional listening to.
Backstory
- Mamman served as Nigeria’s Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021.
- His tenure was minimize quick following allegations of monetary misappropriation.
- He was arrested and detained by the EFCC on Might 10, 2021, shortly after his elimination by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
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