The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, on Wednesday heard explosive testimony from Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, detailing how over ₦22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power during the tenure of former Minister Saleh Mamman.
Suleman, the eighth prosecution witness (PW8) in the case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), revealed that the funds were funneled through his business accounts and converted into U.S. dollars.
The EFCC is prosecuting Mamman on 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion.
The Transactions
Testifying under cross-examination by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Suleman disclosed that approximately 12 accounts linked to his businesses received funds directly from the ministry without rendering any service or executing contracts.
“My companies, including Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, and others, were used to channel these transactions,” Suleman stated.
He further revealed that the transactions were orchestrated by one Alhaji Maina Goje, whom he described as a fellow BDC operator.
“Maina would send funds to my accounts, instruct me to convert them to dollars, and either return the cash or transfer it to other accounts,” Suleman said.
According to him, the transactions spanned 2019 to 2024, amounting to over ₦22 billion.
Suleman also implicated a certain “Yaro Minister,” identified as Goje’s associate and linked to Mamman, as well as Mustapha Muhammed, reportedly a Federal Ministry of Housing official.
Bank Records and Evidence
The court was presented with financial records detailing the flow of funds. Suleman confirmed receiving payments, including ₦285.9 million on May 24, 2021; ₦278.2 million on May 26, 2021; ₦320 million on January 1, 2021; and ₦184 million on June 18, 2021, among others.
The EFCC also tendered bank statements from FCMB and documents linked to companies under Suleman’s control, marked as Exhibit XTUB.
Connections to Mamman
Suleman admitted that Goje introduced him to Mustapha Muhammed, whom he referred to as “oga” and a key player in the alleged scheme. Suleman stated that Muhammed instructed him to release specific amounts when Goje was unavailable.
Adjournment
Justice Omotosho adjourned the case to January 23, 2025, for further proceedings.
The trial, marked by detailed revelations of systemic fraud, has intensified scrutiny on public sector corruption and the role of financial operators in laundering government funds.