In a jaw-dropping revelation at the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, a bureau de change (BDC) operator, Abdullahi Suleman, has exposed how over ₦22 billion was funneled through his accounts in a suspected money-laundering scheme. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Mamman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and laundering ₦33.8 billion. The trial resumed on January 22, 2025, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.
BDC Operator’s Explosive Testimony
Taking the stand as the EFCC’s 8th witness (PW8), Suleman disclosed how he became a key player in the alleged diversion of funds from the Ministry of Power.
“In 2019, Alhaji Maina Goje approached me, asking for my account details to carry out transactions. He would send money into these accounts, and I would convert it to dollars for him or transfer it to other accounts,” Suleman testified.
The transactions, which reportedly lasted until 2024, amounted to more than ₦22 billion. Suleman revealed that Maina often worked with an intermediary known as “Yaro Minister,” who acted on behalf of Saleh Mamman, and a man named Mustapha Muhammed, allegedly tied to the Ministry of Housing.
Money Trail Exposed
Bank statements presented as Exhibit X revealed massive deposits into Suleman’s companies—Strong Field International Projects Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, and Prymint Investment Limited. Some of the jaw-dropping transactions included:
₦285.9 million on May 24, 2021
₦278.2 million on May 26, 2021
₦320 million on January 1, 2021
₦184 million on June 18, 2021
₦178.3 million on July 14, 2021
₦75.4 million on August 5, 2021
Suleman admitted to receiving and facilitating these payments, which he said were directed by Goje and his associates.
The Bigger Picture
This testimony adds a critical layer to the EFCC’s case, which seeks to uncover the intricate web of financial misconduct linked to the former minister. The scale of these transactions has shocked many, highlighting the deep-rooted corruption that undermines Nigeria’s public institutions.
Peoplesmind
