N31.7bn Fraud Trial: Ex-Power Minister Sale Mamman to File No-Case Submission
Former Minister of Power, Sale Mamman, has informed a Federal High Court in Abuja of his intention to file a no-case submission in the N31.70 billion fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Counsel to Mamman, S.T. Abba, made the announcement shortly after the EFCC closed its case following the testimony of its 17th witness, Abubakar Gabdo.
The EFCC had accused Mamman of conspiring to siphon funds from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing through bank accounts of several private companies.
Among the accounts cited were those of Breathable Investment, Fullest Utility Concepts, and Golden Bond Nigeria Ltd, traced through Bureau de Change operators.
During the proceedings, Gabdo stated that Mamman was neither an owner nor a signatory of the companies involved.
Under cross-examination, the witness confirmed that seven other individuals, including Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, and Stephen Ojo, controlled the Mambila Zungeru Special Project Account at the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Gabdo said Bida, as Chief Account Officer, had the final approval over disbursements, noting that neither the minister nor the permanent secretary had authority over the account.
Gabdo further revealed that some payments linked to the companies were made before Mamman assumed office in 2019 and continued even after his exit in 2021.
He confirmed that Fullest Utility Concepts received substantial sums from 2019, while Platinum Touch Enterprise received millions from October 2021, including 18 transactions in a single day.
Other companies, such as Silverline Ocean, Gurubce Limited, and Royal Perimeter Ventures, also received large payments at various times.
Following Gabdo’s testimony, prosecution counsel A.O. Mohammed informed the court that the EFCC had closed its case.
Mamman’s counsel then announced the intention to file a no-case submission.
Justice James Omotosho adjourned the matter to November 27 for the adoption of written addresses.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
