Ex-Power Minister Paid ₦200M Cash for Abuja Property – Witness Testifies

A witness has revealed how a former Nigerian power minister allegedly paid ₦200 million in cash to acquire a property in Abuja, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has claimed that Saleh Mamman, the former Minister of Power, paid him ₦200 million to acquire a property in Abuja.

Mamman is presently confronting twelve charges of money laundering and conspiracy, along with officials from the Ministry of Power and various private companies.

The EFCC alleges that he misappropriated ₦33.8 billion initially designated for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.

At that moment, Abubakar Kweido, an EFCC operative, stated that the investigation revealed alleged multiple monetary transfers from the account designated for the Mambilla power project to bureau de change (BDC) operators.

Businessman Mohammed Jidda informed the court on Wednesday that Mamman had given him a cash payment equivalent to N200 million in dollars for buying a five-bedroom property in Wuse, Abuja.

Jidda, the original owner of the five-bedroom property at 12a & b Lungi Street in Wuse 2, mentioned that Mamman visited his office on Gimbya Street in Garki, Abuja. During this visit, Mamman made the payment and participated in signing an agreement for the property.

“The minister visited my office along with Mohammed Hussein and two others to deliver the money. We had previously agreed they would bring naira, but instead, they brought dollars,” he testified in court.

He informed the court, “We counted the money and transferred the property. The document was signed between my company, Mohibat Investment Limited, and Mohammed Hussein as directed by the minister.”

Initially, Bitrus informed me that the property was being purchased by the minister. It was the minister who directed me to sign with Mohammed Hussein.

Samson Bitrus, a real estate agent and another witness, stated that he assisted Mamman in acquiring the property.

Bitrus mentioned that he was introduced to Mamman by Dan Daura, a business associate. He added that in 2019, the former minister requested his assistance in finding a property.

“Following the search, we met with the property owner to finalize the transaction by paying the purchase price. The property was located at No 12 Lungi Street, Wuse 2,” he stated.

The seller’s name is Jidda. When we visited the seller’s location, the ex-minister arrived with a friend, whom I believe is named Mohammed Hussein.

The property was purchased for N200 million, with the defendant making the payment in dollars. The owner of the property received and counted the money to ensure it was complete.

“When we completed the transaction, I can’t recall if the documents were signed that day; however, the property was taken over with its existing tenants.”

The presiding judge, James Omotosho, postponed the case for further hearings to March 18 and 19.