A bureau de change operator, Abdullahi Suleman, provided crucial testimony in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, accusing him of masterminding the diversion of over ₦22 billion from the Federal Ministry of Power.
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for conspiracy and money laundering, involving a total of ₦33.8 billion.
The case is being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja under the presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho.
During the court session on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, Suleman, the EFCC’s eighth witness, revealed under questioning by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) that he facilitated the conversion of the diverted funds into U.S. dollars through his business accounts.
Suleman explained that payments were made into about 12 accounts tied to his companies, including Prymint Investment Limited, Strong Field International Projects Limited, and Mintedge Nigeria Limited, despite no legitimate services or projects being provided.
Other companies involved were First Class Construction and Project, Silverline Ocean Ventures, and a business owned by his brother, Gurupche Business Enterprises.
Suleman detailed how, in 2019, Alhaji Maina Goje approached him to use his account for transactions. Goje transferred funds into Suleman’s accounts, which were then converted into U.S. dollars and returned to him. This arrangement allegedly persisted until 2024, with Suleman estimating that the total amount of transactions he managed exceeded ₦22 billion.
He also mentioned that Goje occasionally sent a representative, identified as “Yaro Minister,” to facilitate transactions when Goje was unavailable. Additionally, Suleman disclosed being introduced to Mustapha Muhammed, a Federal Ministry of Housing official, who sometimes instructed him to provide specific amounts in dollars.
Bank statements presented in court showed substantial deposits into Suleman’s accounts, including ₦285.9 million on May 24, 2021, ₦278.2 million on May 26, 2021, and ₦320 million on January 1, 2021. Other significant transactions included ₦184 million on June 18, 2021, and ₦178.3 million on July 14, 2021, all of which Suleman confirmed receiving.
The trial is ongoing as the EFCC continues its investigation into the full scope of the alleged financial mismanagement.
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