Alleged N33.8 Billion Scandal: Witness Claims He Received N777 Million for Mamman and Spent It as Instructed
A key witness in the ongoing N33.8 billion fraud case testifies that he received N777 million on behalf of former Minister Saleh Mamman and disbursed it under his instructions. The EFCC is investigating the massive corruption scandal involving alleged financial misappropriation.
A key witness in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has provided detailed testimony about receiving and disbursing large sums of money on the defendant's behalf. On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the tenth prosecution witness (PW10), Mifbahu Idris, told the Federal High Court in Abuja how he received the sum of N777,538,000 (Seven Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand Naira) in cash and transfers from bureau de change operators between 2019 and 2021, all under Mamman's instructions.
Idris, who is the nephew and special assistant to Mamman, gave his account during cross-examination by defense counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN. He referenced an extra-judicial statement he made to the EFCC on April 17, 2023, revealing that the funds were wired from accounts owned and operated by Maina Goje and Abdulahi Suleiman, both bureau de change operators. According to Idris, the money was disbursed to friends, family members, associates, and for household expenses, all as directed by Mamman.
Earlier Testimony
On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, during his examination-in-chief led by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, Idris testified that Mamman is his uncle and that he worked with him for two years at the Federal Ministry of Power in Abuja. He also confirmed knowing Abubakar Bida, another ministry employee.
Idris recounted a specific incident where Abubakar Bida called him, introducing himself as someone acting on behalf of Engineer Saleh Mamman. Bida instructed Idris to meet Maina Goje, who would provide cash or transfer funds. Idris explained:
"Whenever I met him, sometimes he would give me cash or transfer money, saying it was for 'Oga' [Mamman]. I would bring it to Saleh Mamman and hand it over. Sometimes, he'd say, 'Keep it with you; I'll tell you how to spend it.' The money was used to buy foodstuffs, pay for electricity units, or send to his associates, friends, and family based on his directives."
He added that the funds were often delivered in dollars or naira and were occasionally deposited into his personal account.
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Transactions Confirmed
Idris confirmed several transactions during his testimony:
- GTB Account: He acknowledged receiving N10 million on August 26, 2021, and another N10 million on April 1, 2023, through his GTB account, marked as Exhibit PWq. These funds were allegedly sent by Sharifiddin Global Enterprises on behalf of Saleh Mamman.
- Other Sources: He also confirmed receiving money from entities such as FirstKlaz’s Construction Projects, Mintage Nigeria Limited, Spinhills Biz International, Fulest Utility Concepts, and Silverlines Adventures—all linked to bureau de change operators Maina Goje and Abdullahi Suleiman.
- Specific Amounts: From his account statement, he verified receiving:
- N10 million on August 26, 2021,
- N10 million on April 16, 2022,
- N1 million from Silverline Adventures on April 10, 2022,
- Another N1 million on May 22, 2022, and
- Another N1 million from Suleiman Abdulahi on May 7, 2022.
Idris stated that all these funds were spent according to Mamman's instructions.
Refund to EFCC
The witness further revealed that he refunded N190 million to the EFCC, which he claimed was given to him by Mamman.
Testimony of PW11: Maina Goje
The eleventh prosecution witness (PW11), Maina Goje, corroborated parts of Idris's testimony. Goje recounted delivering cash directly to Mamman's residence in Maitama, Abuja. He stated:
"I used to carry cash to the minister's house in Maitama, and sometimes Mifbahu would come and collect the money. I can't remember the exact number of times, but there was a boy they gave me his number. Whenever I arrived, the boy would come, and I would open my car and hand him the cash. The amounts varied—sometimes N20 million, N25 million, or N30 million—or I would give him dollars in envelopes, like $100,000. Mustapha Bida has never complained that they didn't receive the money."
Case Details
Saleh Mamman is facing a 12-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging conspiracy to commit money laundering involving N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-Three Kobo).
The court adjourned the matter until March 4, 5, 17, and 18, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
February 19, 2025
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