How Ex-Minister of Power Mamman Allegedly Spent N20 Million Mambilla Project Funds on Hotel Lodging – Witness

A prosecution witness has revealed how former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, allegedly diverted N20 million from funds designated for the Mambilla Hydro Power project to pay for a year-long stay at a resort. The testimony came during an ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman on 12 counts of conspiracy and money laundering involving N33.8 billion in public funds. The allegations stem from his tenure as minister and involve claims of misuse of project funds.

Retired Colonel Adebisi Adesanya, the Chief Security Officer and owner of Sami Court Resort Limited, testified that Mamman rented a one-bedroom serviced apartment at the resort for N20 million from August 30, 2019, to August 30, 2020. Adesanya described the resort as offering fully serviced apartments for extended stays. “You only bring your clothes; everything else is provided,” he explained.

The witness stated that he was invited by EFCC investigators in September 2023 to clarify financial inflows into the resort’s United Bank for Africa (UBA) account between 2019 and 2021. He confirmed the issuance of an invoice, marked as Exhibit PWC, to Mamman for the payment.

Adesanya provided a breakdown of the transactions that made up the N20 million lodging fee, which were deposited by various companies and individuals on behalf of Mamman:

N5 million on September 6, 2021, by Golden Bond Nigeria Limited

N5 million on January 23, 2022, by Mintedge Nigeria Limited

N2.5 million on March 9, 2022, by Abdullahi Suleiman

N7.5 million on May 10, 2022, by A.I.J Global Tools Limited

“These payments were all for one-bedroom rental and were processed through our UBA account,” Adesanya affirmed.

The case is part of broader accusations against Mamman of diverting funds from accounts meant for the Mambilla Hydro Electric Power Project. His removal from office in September 2021, attributed by the presidency to a cabinet reshuffle, has since been scrutinized as possibly linked to the allegations of misconduct.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the trial until January 13, 2025, for further proceedings.