Court Hears Testimony On How Buhari Ex-Minister Allegedly Bought ₦200 Million Abuja Property With Cash
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, received explosive testimony in the ongoing ₦33.8 billion money laundering trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman.
Witnesses detailed how the ex-minister allegedly made large cash payments, including a ₦200 million purchase for a property in Wuse 2, Abuja.
During the hearing, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its 12th witness, a real estate agent named Samson Bitrus. Bitrus, who runs Tekma Grand Advantage Limited, testified that Mamman paid for the property entirely in U.S. dollars.
“In 2019, the former Minister asked me to find a property for him. After conducting due diligence, we identified a suitable property at No. 12 Lungi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja,” Bitrus stated.
He revealed that Mamman was introduced to him through Alhaji Mustapha Dan Daura, and the purchase was finalized with the seller, Mr. Jidda.
“The purchase price was ₦200 million, which the defendant paid in full using U.S. dollars. The seller counted the cash on the spot to confirm it was complete,” Bitrus told the court.
Rental Income and Additional Properties
Bitrus also testified that he managed the Wuse 2 property for Mamman, collecting ₦8 million in rent and transferring the funds as directed by the minister.
Additionally, he disclosed that Mamman owned another property in Kado Estate, which had been abandoned. To prevent its deterioration, Bitrus rented it out without initially informing the minister.
“I rented out the property for ₦2.8 million and ₦3 million per year. When I later informed him, he accepted the decision,” he said.
BDC Operator Confirms Delivering Large Cash Sums
Another witness, Maina Goje, a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, provided further insights into Mamman’s alleged financial dealings. Through an interpreter, Goje testified that he frequently delivered large sums of money—both in naira and dollars—to Mamman’s residence in Abuja.
“Whenever I arrived at the house, I would call a number given to me. A boy would open the gate, and I would drive in. The money was counted in the boys’ quarters,” Goje stated.
He also recalled a specific instance when Mamman requested fresh naira notes.
“One day, he asked for new naira notes, and I delivered either ₦50 million or ₦30 million, packed in bags,” he revealed.
Goje added that while he never personally met Mamman, he always handed over the funds to intermediaries at the residence.
“I never saw him directly. I only dealt with his boys because they wouldn’t allow me to see him,” he said.
Furthermore, Goje alleged that Mamman’s associate, Mustapha, instructed him to transfer ₦1.819 billion to two individuals, Abdul and Ahmad, in Dubai.
Defense Requests Adjournment, EFCC Denied Court Order
During the hearing, Mamman’s lead counsel, Femi Atteh (SAN), requested an adjournment to allow for proper cross-examination of the witnesses.
Meanwhile, the EFCC sought a court order to inspect Mamman’s residence as part of its investigation. However, Justice James Omotosho denied the request, criticizing the prosecution for making the application after the cross-examination process had begun.
Instead, the judge ruled that the EFCC could call another witness to verify Mamman’s ownership of the property in question.
A bundle of statements provided by Goje was admitted as evidence and marked as Exhibit PW-Z.
Implications of the Trial
The revelations in court raise serious questions about Mamman’s financial dealings during his tenure as Minister of Power. With witnesses confirming large cash transactions and international money transfers, the EFCC’s case against him appears to be strengthening.
