Former Minister of Power, Engr. Saleh Mamman, has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that he plans to file a no-case submission in the ₦31.7 billion fraud case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Counsel to the former minister, S.T. Abba, revealed this intention shortly after the EFCC closed its case on Thursday, following the testimony of its 17th prosecution witness, Abubakar Gabdo.
The anti-graft agency had alleged that Mamman conspired with others to divert funds from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing using multiple private companies and Bureau de Change operators.
The EFCC claimed that large sums were traced to accounts belonging to Breathable Investment, Fullest Utility Concepts, and Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, among others.
However, during cross-examination, Gabdo told the court that Mamman was neither the owner nor a signatory to any of the companies allegedly used for the diversion.
He also confirmed that the former minister had denied any connection to the firms.
Gabdo further disclosed that seven officials, Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Micheal Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusola, were the authorised managers of the Mambila Zungeru Special Project Account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
He added that Bida, the Chief Account Officer, held final approval powers on transactions, noting that neither the Minister nor the Permanent Secretary could authorise withdrawals from the account.
The witness also admitted that some payments recorded in the case file were made before Mamman’s appointment in 2019, while others continued after he left office in 2021.
Gabdo testified that companies such as Fullest Utility Concepts Limited and Platinum Touch Enterprise received substantial payments, with one firm reportedly processing 18 transactions in a single day in 2021.
Other beneficiaries mentioned include Silverline Ocean, Gurubce Limited, and Royal Perimeter Ventures.
Following the testimony, EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed announced the closure of the prosecution’s case.
In response, Mamman’s lawyer informed the court of the defence’s intention to file a no-case submission, arguing that the EFCC failed to establish any link between the former minister and the alleged offences.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter until November 27 for the adoption of written addresses.
