A bureau de change operator, Abdullahi Suleman, who is one of the witnesses in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has narrated how more than N22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power under the watch of the ex-minister.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday presented Suleman, the 8th witness, at the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
The bureau de change operator narrated before the court how more than N22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power while Mamman was minister.
He said the naira equivalent of the money was exchanged for United States dollars through his business accounts.
Media Talk Africa reports that Mamman is being prosecuted by EFCC on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73.
While being led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, at Wednesday’s proceedings, Suleiman narrated that about 12 of his business accounts received money from the Ministry of Power without carrying out any service, contact or project.
When shown Exhibit X series, which contained bank statements generated from his companies showing evidence of money inflows into his bank accounts with Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, Prymint Investment Limited, the witness admitted that they were the accounts he gave Maina Goje.
Earlier, a Compliance Officer from FCMB presented and tendered bank statements and attachments in a reply letter to the EFCC dated August 16, 2024 in respect of Prymint Investments Limited, Platinum Touch Enterprises, Royal Perimeter Ventures, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Flex Utility Concepts Limited, Bentech Nigeria Limited admitted and marked Exhibit XTUB.
The judge adjourned the matter to January 23, 2024 for continuation of the hearing.
