By Ayomide Otitoju
A witness presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has testified that the ex-minister paid the dollar equivalent of N200 million in cash for a five-bedroom property in Abuja.
Mohammed Jidda, a businessman and former owner of the property located at No. 12a & b Lungi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, gave his testimony on Wednesday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. He stated that Mamman personally came to his office with cash to finalize the purchase.
“The minister came to my office on Gimbya Street, Garki, Abuja, with Mohammed Hussein and two others to pay me the money. Initially, we discussed payment in naira, but they arrived with dollars. We counted the money, and the transaction was completed,” Jidda testified.
Jidda further revealed that the property documents were signed between his company, Mohibat Investment Limited, and Mohammed Hussein, as instructed by Mamman. He identified and confirmed his statements to the EFCC, as well as the deed of agreement, which were subsequently admitted into evidence as exhibits PWd1 and PWd2.
Money Laundering Charges
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge related to conspiracy to commit money laundering amounting to N33.8 billion, primarily in connection to the Mambilla Power Project. The EFCC alleges that the former minister engaged in illicit financial transactions during his tenure.
Real Estate Agent’s Testimony
Another prosecution witness, Samson Bitrus, a real estate agent, corroborated Jidda’s testimony. He told the court that he was introduced to Mamman by his business associate, Alhaji Dan Daura, and was tasked with sourcing a property for the former minister in 2019.
“After searching, we found the property, met the owner, and concluded the transaction. The purchase price was N200 million, and the defendant paid in dollars. The seller counted the money to confirm its completeness. I managed the property afterward, collected rent, and remitted the funds to the account Mamman provided,” Bitrus said.
Bank Transactions Unveiled
Prosecution Witness 13, Umar Abbatilde, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank Plc, provided financial records linking transactions to Mamman. He detailed multiple inflows and outflows in Bitrus’ account, including:
N5.5 million from Firststar Limited on June 26, 2020, with an immediate outflow to Mamman Nasir Ademu.
N6 million from Vestates Limited on August 11, 2022, followed by an outflow of N5 million to Mamman Nasir Ademu.
N10 million from Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor Sam & Partners on September 14, 2022, with subsequent transactions amounting to N3.75 million.
N10 million from the same source on September 24, 2022, along with an additional N2.5 million.
N3 million from Mohammed Saleh Jemilah on October 25, 2022.
A balance of N26,964.75 on November 2, 2022, which was depleted with an outflow of N10 million to Mamman’s UBA account, followed by further outflows of N4 million and N2.8 million on November 3 and 4, respectively.
