In an ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, a retired military officer, Colonel Adebisi Adesanya, has accused Saleh Mamman, Nigeria's former Minister of Power, of spending ₦20 million on a year-long stay at a resort. This revelation came during cross-examination on Wednesday before Justice James Omotosho.
Mamman is facing a 12-count charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged money laundering involving ₦33.8 billion, funds reportedly meant for the Mambilla Hydro Power Project.
Colonel Adesanya, who owns Sami Court Resort Limited, testified that Mamman lodged at his service apartment for an entire year, paying ₦20 million. "Sami Court Resort is a serviced apartment where guests can stay for extended periods, bringing only their clothes while we handle other needs," Adesanya explained.
He further revealed that EFCC investigators questioned him about financial transactions linked to the resort's United Bank for Africa (UBA) account between 2019 and 2021. These transactions allegedly included payments for Mamman’s accommodation.
The prosecution presented Exhibit PWC, an invoice confirming Mamman’s payments. Adesanya provided a detailed breakdown of the inflows for the one-bedroom rental:
- ₦5 million: Paid on September 6, 2021, by Golden Bond Nigeria Limited.
- ₦5 million: Deposited on January 23, 2022, by Mintedge Nigeria Limited.
- ₦2.5 million: Transferred on March 9, 2022, by Abdullahi Suleiman.
- ₦7.5 million: Paid on May 10, 2022, by A.I.J Global Tools Limited.
“These payments, totaling ₦20 million, were for a one-bedroom rental covering August 30, 2021, to August 30, 2022,” Adesanya stated.
Justice Omotosho has adjourned the case to January 13, 2025, for the continuation of the trial. The EFCC continues its pursuit of justice in this high-profile fraud case, shedding light on how funds earmarked for critical infrastructure projects may have been mismanaged.
