The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) continued its prosecution of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on Wednesday, calling its tenth witness, Mifbahu Idris, to testify before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Presided over by Justice James Omotosho, the court heard how Idris allegedly received N777,538 in cash and bank transfers from bureau de change operators between 2019 and 2021 under Mamman’s instructions.
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering amounting to N33,804,830,503.73.
The EFCC alleges that the former minister funneled substantial sums through various channels and directed how the money was disbursed.
Idris, who is Mamman’s nephew and former special assistant, told the court that he acted as an intermediary, collecting and distributing funds at Mamman’s behest.
Under cross-examination by defense counsel Femi Atteh (SAN), he confirmed that transactions were conducted via accounts operated by bureau de change agents Maina Goje and Abdulahi Suleiman.
According to Idris, the funds were used to settle personal expenses, household utilities, and payments to associates, as directed by Mamman.
“Sometimes, the money was given to me in cash or sent via bank transfers,” Idris testified.
He said, “I would take it to Saleh Mamman, who would instruct me on how to spend it. The cash was sometimes in naira, sometimes in dollars. I used the money to buy foodstuffs, pay for electricity units, or send to his associates and family members.”
He further testified that he received money from various companies, including FirstKlaz Construction Projects, Mintage Nigeria Limited, Spinhills Biz International, Fulest Utility Concepts, and Silverlines Adventures—all allegedly linked to Goje and Suleiman.
During the proceedings, Idris confirmed receiving N10 million on August 26, 2021, and another N10 million on April 1, 2023, through his Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account, which was marked as Exhibit PW10.
He also admitted to receiving multiple payments from Silverline Adventures and other entities between 2021 and 2022, all of which he claimed to have spent as directed by Mamman.
Idris further disclosed that he refunded N190 million to the EFCC, which he initially received from the former minister.
The prosecution also presented its eleventh witness, Goje Maina, who testified that he regularly delivered large sums of money in cash to Mamman’s Maitama, Abuja residence.
“I used to carry cash to the minister’s house in Maitama. Sometimes, Mifbahu would come to collect the money from me,” Maina told the court. “The cash deliveries were frequent, and I handed over sums ranging from N20 million to N30 million, sometimes even $100,000 in an envelope”, he added.
Maina added that he communicated with a designated contact at the residence who would collect the money upon his arrival.
Following the testimonies, the court adjourned the trial to March 4, 5, 17, and 18, 2025, for further proceedings.
The EFCC continues to press its case against Mamman, as the trial unfolds with more witnesses expected to testify.
