…Ex-Minister Wired Stolen Funds to BDC Operator Through 12 Personal Accounts
Daud Olatunji
A bureau de change operator, Abdullahi Suleman, has revealed the alleged diversion of over N22 billion from Nigeria’s federal ministry of power during the tenure of former Minister Saleh Mamman.
Saleh served the president Muhammadu Buhari-led administration between August 2019 and September 2021.
Suleman disclosed the detail while testifying as the eighth prosecution witness in an ongoing trial at the Federal High Court, Abuja,
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Mamman in July 2024 on a 12-count charge of money laundering and conspiracy involving ministry officials and private companies.
The charges alleged the misappropriation of N33.8 billion earmarked for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
Although Mamman pleaded not guilty, Suleman’s testimony painted a damning picture of how the funds were siphoned.
According to the witness, the funds were funneled through 12 business accounts under his control, despite no services or projects being executed.
Suleman identified several companies involved in the transactions, including:Prymint Investment Limited, strong Field International Projects Limited, mintedge Nigeria Limited,First Class Construction and Project,Silverline Ocean Ventures,Golden Bond Nigeria Limited,Sipikin Global Enterprise,Spinhiills Biz International Limited and Fullest Utility Concepts Limited
Others are ;Platinum Touch Enterprises, breathable Investment Limited, and Gurupche Business Enterprises, owned by his brother
The witness stated, “From my rough calculations, the amount I have received through the transactions will be more than N22 billion.”
He further revealed his collaboration with one Maina Goje in executing these deals, stating that their operations spanned from 2019 to 2024.
Suleman admitted to exchanging naira for dollars at Goje’s instruction and transferring the funds as directed.
“I exchanged the funds through my accounts and handed over or transferred the dollars as instructed,” he said.
The court also reviewed exhibit X series, a collection of bank statements from the witness’s companies, which allegedly detailed the illicit transactions.
The EFCC, in its case, accuses Mamman of conspiring with ministry officials and private firms to launder the stolen funds under the guise of executing critical power projects.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the projects, Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power stations, are considered vital to Nigeria’s energy infrastructure.
adjourned for further hearing, with the EFCC promising to present additional evidence to substantiate the charges.
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