An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operative, Abubakar Kweido, revealed explosive details on Thursday during the ongoing trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman. Kweido testified that the investigation into the alleged N33.8 billion fraud tied to the Mambilla Power Project uncovered suspicious monetary transfers by Mamman to Bureau de Change operators.
The former minister, who served under President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2021, is accused of conspiring with private companies and ministry officials to siphon off over N22 billion meant for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects.
According to Kweido, an analysis of records from ministries, agencies, and commercial banks revealed that Mamman had approved payments to several unauthorized entities. These entities received funds meant for the power project, despite having no legitimate contracts with the Federal Government.
Thirteen entities, including Prymint Investment Ltd, Gurupche Business Enterprise, Shipikin Global Enterprises, Silverline Ventures, and others, were found to have received over N33.8 billion from the Mambilla project funds. Shockingly, the individuals behind these companies claimed they had no contracts with the Ministry of Power or the Federal Government.
“We discovered that a significant portion of the funds was funneled through bureau de change operators on the orders of Mustapha Abubakar Dida, the project accountant for the Mambilla and Zungeru power plant projects,” Kweido testified. The operators disclosed that the funds were disbursed in foreign currencies, naira, and via bank transfers, all following instructions from Mamman’s personal assistant, Bawo Idris.
Mamman, who was arrested by the EFCC in May 2021, is currently facing a 12-count charge of money laundering. The case has been adjourned until October 9, 2024, for the continuation of the trial.
