Alleged N33.8Billion Fraud: How N22Billion From Power Ministry Under Ex-Minister Was Diverted Through Me –BDC Operator
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a statement presented Suleman as its 8th witness.
Abdullahi Suleman, a bureau de change operator, revealed in court how over N22 billion was allegedly siphoned from the Federal Ministry of Power during Saleh Mamman’s tenure as Minister.
Suleman testified on Wednesday, 22 January 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, before Justice James Omotosho.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a statement presented Suleman as its 8th witness.
Led by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Suleman disclosed that funds were routed through 12 of his business accounts without any service or project being carried out.
“From my rough calculations, the amount I have received through the transactions will be more than N22 billion,” he stated.
Suleman named companies such as Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, and others as channels for these transactions.
He identified Maina Goje as his contact for these dealings, stating, “We have been working together since 2019 till 2024.”
The former Minister of Power faces a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering totalling N33.8 billion.
Suleman further mentioned that he exchanged naira for dollars at Goje’s instruction and handed them over or transferred funds as directed.
The court also reviewed Exhibit X series, containing bank statements from Suleman’s companies.
Transactions included N285,983,285 on 24 May 2021 and N90,247,395 on 12 January 2022. Suleman admitted to receiving these amounts.
Earlier, an FCMB Compliance Officer had tendered relevant bank statements, which were admitted as Exhibit XTUB.
Last Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported that the EFCC had presented four additional witnesses in the ongoing trial of Saleh Mamman alleged for committing multi-billion naira fraud.
Mamman faces a 12-count charge of conspiring to commit money laundering, involving about N33,804,830,503.73.
Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the prosecuting counsel, informed the court that the EFCC was ready to present further evidence through four witnesses: PW4 Mishelia R.B., PW5 Mayowa Itiku, PW6 Lily Marama, and PW7 Oluwunmi Ogunloye.
The witnesses confirmed receiving formal requests from the EFCC to submit details of account openings and transactions.
Meanwhile, all compliance officers at Zenith Bank, UBA, GTB, and Wema Bank respectively, were called upon to testify about their involvement in providing information requested by the EFCC regarding the opening and statements of accounts related to ten business entities.
The listed entities include Sami Court Resort Limited, Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Samson Bitrus, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Shipikin Global Enterprises, Silverline Ventures, Breathable Investment Ltd, First Class Contraction Ltd, Spinhillls Biz International Ltd, and Fulex Utility Concept Ltd.
