A Federal High Court in Abuja was told on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, that the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, allegedly paid the dollar equivalent of ₦200 million in cash to acquire a five-bedroom property located in Wuse, Abuja.
The revelation was made by Mohammed Ashelk Jidda, the 14th prosecution witness (PW14), during the ongoing trial before Justice James Omotosho.
Mamman is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 12-count charge related to alleged financial irregularities and money laundering linked to the Mambilla Power Project, with the total sum involved standing at ₦33.8 billion.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to prosecute high-profile individuals accused of financial misconduct and reinforces the agency’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for alleged corrupt practices during their time in office.
Jidda, a businessman and the original owner of the property, testified that Mamman personally came to his office on Gimbya Street, Garki, Abuja, accompanied by Mohammed Hussein and two others, to complete the transaction.
Initially, they had agreed on a naira payment, but the minister brought cash in U.S. dollars instead.
Jidda said they counted the money before handing over the property, and the sale agreement was signed between his company, Mohibat Investment Limited, and Hussein, as instructed by Mamman.
Prosecution witness 12 (PW12), Samson Bitrus, a real estate agent, also testified that he helped Mamman acquire the property.
Bitrus said he was introduced to Mamman by his business associate, Alhaji Dan Daura, and in 2019, the former minister asked him to find a property free of legal complications. Bitrus confirmed that Mamman paid ₦200 million in dollars and took possession of the house with existing tenants.