BDC Operator Reveals Details Of N22bn Transfers In Trial Of Ex-Minister Of Power, Saleh Mamman

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria  

The trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on charges of money laundering amounting to over ₦33.8 billion resumed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

Justice James Omotosho presided over the session, which featured the testimony of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) eighth witness, Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator.

Suleman detailed how more than ₦22 billion was allegedly funneled through his business accounts while Mamman served as Minister.

The funds, he testified, originated from the Federal Ministry of Power and were converted into U.S. dollars without any services, contracts, or projects executed.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Suleman disclosed that 12 of his companies, including Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, and Mintedge Nigeria Limited, were used in the transactions.

Other firms implicated include First Class Construction and Project, Silverline Ocean Ventures, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Sipikin Global Enterprise, Spinhiills Biz International Limited, and Platinum Touch Enterprises. Suleman also mentioned Gurupche Business Enterprises, owned by his brother.

“I know Alhaji Maina Goje; we are in the same business. In 2019, he approached me about a transaction and requested some of my account numbers. He sent money, and I converted it to dollars for him. Over time, he asked for more accounts, and I provided them. From 2019 to 2024, the total amount received through these transactions exceeded ₦22 billion,” Suleman stated.

Suleman also recounted how Goje involved a man called Musbhu, nicknamed “Yaro Minister,” who acted on Goje’s behalf when he was unavailable. Additionally, Suleman revealed that he later met Mustapha Muhammed, whom Goje referred to as his superior. Muhammed, Suleman said, worked with the Federal Ministry of Housing and occasionally requested funds when Goje was unreachable.

When shown financial records marked as Exhibit X, which included bank statements from several of his companies, Suleman admitted they were the accounts used for the transactions.

The records detailed significant inflows, including,₦285,983,285 on May 24, 2021

, ₦320 million on January 1, 2021 , ₦75,420,000 on August 5, 2021 and ₦64,747,627 on February 16, 2022.

Earlier in the proceedings, a Compliance Officer from FCMB presented additional financial records and bank statements linked to Suleman’s businesses. These documents were admitted into evidence as Exhibit XTUB.

Saleh Mamman is facing a 12-count charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The EFCC alleges that the funds were siphoned during his tenure as Minister of Power.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial to January 23, 2025, for the continuation of the hearing.