In a shocking revelation during the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, Abdullahi Suleman, has unveiled how over ₦22 billion passed through his accounts in what is suspected to be a money-laundering operation.
Mamman is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge involving conspiracy and laundering ₦33.8 billion. The trial resumed on January 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, overseen by Justice James Omotosho.
Taking the witness stand as EFCC’s 8th prosecution witness (PW8), Suleman explained his role in the alleged diversion of funds from the Ministry of Power.
“In 2019, Alhaji Maina Goje approached me, requesting my account details to conduct transactions. He would deposit money into these accounts, and I would either convert it to dollars for him or transfer it to other accounts,” Suleman testified.
According to Suleman, these transactions spanned from 2019 to 2024 and totaled more than ₦22 billion. He stated that Maina worked closely with an intermediary known as “Yaro Minister,” representing Saleh Mamman, and a man identified as Mustapha Muhammed, allegedly connected to the Ministry of Housing.
Bank statements submitted as Exhibit X revealed substantial deposits into Suleman’s companies—Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, and Prymint Investment Limited. Some of the noteworthy transactions included:
₦285.9 million on May 24, 2021
₦278.2 million on May 26, 2021
₦320 million on January 1, 2021
₦184 million on June 18, 2021
₦178.3 million on July 14, 2021
₦75.4 million on August 5, 2021
Suleman admitted to processing these payments, claiming they were directed by Goje and his associates.
This testimony provides a pivotal piece in the EFCC’s efforts to unravel the web of financial misconduct tied to the former minister. The scale of these transactions has drawn widespread attention, exposing systemic corruption within Nigeria’s public institutions.
As the trial continues, the nation remains eager to see if justice will be served. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding scandal.
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