Witness Testimonies Exonerate Saleh Mamman
In a significant turn of events, two prosecution witnesses of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have testified that the name of former Minister of Power, Engr Saleh Mamman, is absent from all account-related documentation concerning companies implicated in an alleged N31 billion fraud.
Details of the Case
Mamman, alongside seven co-defendants, is facing a nine-count charge that includes conspiracy, false pretence, and intent to defraud. The trial is underway at the FCT High Court, with Mamman also facing related charges at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Evidence Presented
Umar Abba, a Compliance Officer at Zenith Bank Plc, presented evidence that included account opening packages, signatory mandates, and transaction statements for the companies linked to the case. This documentation was requested by the EFCC in March 2025 and was compiled from the bank's systems.
Companies Involved
The accounts in question belong to multiple firms, including:
- Spinhills Biz International Limited
- Silverline Ocean Ventures Limited
- Beaver Builders Limited
- Gurupche Business Enterprise
- Breathable Investment Limited
- First-class Construction Project Limited
- Royal Perimeter Ventures
- Dannywest Limited
- Dorino Bright Limited
- Sipikin Global Ventures Limited
- Fullest Utility Concepts Limited
Cross-Examination Findings
During cross-examination, Abba confirmed that Mamman's name did not appear in any documentation relating to the companies and clarified that he is not part of their board of directors. Additionally, Leadu Kpandei, a compliance officer from GTB, echoed these findings regarding Fullness Utility Concepts Limited, affirming that the former minister’s name was absent from its accounts.
Next Steps in the Trial
As the evidence was admitted, Justice Maryam Anineh has scheduled further proceedings for April 16 and May 11 and 14 to continue the trial.