Alleged N33.8bn Fraud: Witness Confirms Mamman Paid in Dollars for Abuja Property
On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the Fourteenth Prosecution Witness (PW14), Mohammed Ashelk Jidda, testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. Jidda stated that Mamman personally paid him the dollar equivalent of N200 million in cash for a five-bedroom property in Wuse, Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman in connection with the Mambilla Power Project on a 12-count charge, including conspiracy to commit money laundering amounting to N33.8 billion.
Jidda, a businessman and former owner of the property at No. 12A & B Lungi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, testified that Mamman visited his office on Gimbya Street, Garki, Abuja, with Mohammed Hussein and two others to finalize the payment.
“The minister came to my office with Mohammed Hussein and two others to pay for the property. Initially, we discussed payment in naira, but they brought dollars instead. We counted the money before completing the transfer. The agreement was signed between my company, Mohibat Investment Limited, and Mohammed Hussein, as per the minister’s instructions. I was informed that the minister was the actual buyer and was told to sign with Hussein,” Jidda explained.
He confirmed his previous statements to the EFCC and the deed of agreement, both of which were admitted as evidence (PWd1 and PWd2).
Real Estate Agent Confirms Transaction
Samson Bitrus, the Twelfth Prosecution Witness (PW12) and a real estate agent, testified that he facilitated the property purchase for Mamman. He stated that he was introduced to Mamman by his business associate, Alhaji Dan Daura. In 2019, the former minister asked him to find a suitable property and ensure it had no legal complications.
“After conducting necessary checks, we found the property and finalized the purchase. The seller, Jidda, confirmed the transaction. The former minister arrived with his associate, Mohammed Hussein, to complete the deal. The agreed price was N200 million, and the payment was made in dollars. The seller counted the money to confirm the amount. While I can’t recall if the documents were signed that day, the property was handed over with tenants still occupying it,” Bitrus stated.
He also confirmed managing the property for Mamman, collecting rent, and depositing the funds into an account provided by the former minister.
Bank Officer Confirms Financial Transactions
The Thirteenth Prosecution Witness (PW13), Umar Abbatilde, a compliance officer at Zenith Bank Plc, testified that the EFCC requested details of Samson Bitrus’ bank transactions. In response, he provided account opening documents, transaction records, and a certificate of identification.
Reviewing the financial transactions on Bitrus’ account, Abbatilde revealed:
- June 26, 2020: An inflow of N5.5 million from Firststar Limited, followed by an immediate transfer to Mamman Nasir Ademu.
- August 11, 2022: An inflow of N6 million from Vestates Limited, with N5 million transferred to Mamman Nasir Ademu.
- September 14, 2022: A deposit of N10 million from Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor Sam & Partners, with N3.75 million withdrawn the same day.
- September 24, 2022: Additional deposits of N10 million and N2.5 million from the same source.
- October 25, 2022: A deposit of N3 million from Mohammed Saleh Jemilah.
- November 2, 2022: Account balance stood at N26,964.75 before being depleted by a N10 million transfer to Mamman’s UBA account, followed by further withdrawals of N4 million on November 3 and N2.8 million on November 4.
Next Court Hearing
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case for further hearings on March 18 and 19, 2025.
Dele Oyewale
Head, Media & Publicity
March 4, 2025
