Witness: Engr Saleh Mamman Not Associated with Alleged N31bn Fraud Accounts

Two witnesses testifying for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have confirmed that the former Minister of Power, Engr Saleh Mamman, does not appear in the account opening documents, signatory mandates, or account statements of the businesses associated with the alleged N31 billion fraud.

Mamman, alongside seven other co-defendants, including Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Michael Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusila, is facing a nine-count charge before an FCT High Court. He is also reportedly confronting similar allegations at a Federal High Court in Abuja.

During his testimony, Umar Abba, a compliance officer from Zenith Bank Plc, presented the account opening packages, signatory mandates, transaction statements for various accounts, and identification certificates pertinent to the businesses involved in the case.

Abba stated under the direction of the prosecution's counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), that the EFCC had requested these documents from his bank, which were generated from his computer systems and later provided to the Commission.

The documents related to several companies, including Spinhills Biz International Limited, Silverline Ocean Ventures Limited, Beaver Builders Limited, and others. Abba confirmed during cross-examination that Mamman's name was not included in any of these documents and acknowledged that he was not part of the boards of the listed companies.

In a similar vein, a compliance officer from Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Leadu Kpandei, testified regarding the account information of Fullness Utility Concepts Limited. He also admitted, while responding to inquiries from defense counsel Suleiman Yakubu, that Mamman’s name was absent concerning the company’s account.

Justice Maryam Anineh accepted the submitted documents into evidence and has adjourned the proceedings until April 16 and May 11 and 14 for further continuation of the trial.