Ex-Power minister allegedly purchased N200 million Abuja property in dollars, EFCC witness tells court 

The EFCC, through its witness, Mohammed Ashelk Jidda, gave this testimony on Wednesday before Justice James Omotosho.

Naijaonpoint reports that the ex-minister is facing a 12-count amended money laundering charge brought against him by the EFCC, amounting to N33 billion.

Mamman had pleaded not guilty to the charges upon his arraignment before the court.

Naijaonpoint previously reported that the court granted Mamman N10 billion bail on July 12, 2024.

The bail was granted by Justice James Omotosho.

The EFCC’s legal team argued that Mamman’s actions amounted to a criminal breach of trust concerning funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Jidda, a businessman and the initial owner of the five-bedroom property located at No. 12A & B Lungi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, testified that Mamman allegedly visited his office on Gimbiya Street, Garki, Abuja, and paid him the dollar equivalent of N200 million in cash for the property.

“The minister came to my office with Mohammed Hussein and two other persons to pay me the money. We had discussed that they would bring naira, but they came with dollars. We counted the money and handed over the property. The document was signed between my company, Mohibat Investment Limited, and Mohammed Hussein as instructed by the minister.   

“First, Bitrus told me that it was the minister who was buying the property. The minister was the one who instructed me to sign with Mohammed Hussein,” NAIJAONPOINT said.

Justice Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter until March 18 and 19, 2025, for further hearing.