The allegations against former Minister of Power Saleh Mamman regarding the alleged misuse of funds earmarked for the Mambilla Hydro Power project are serious and indicative of systemic financial irregularities. According to testimony presented during his trial, Mamman allegedly spent ₦20 million over one year on a one-bedroom lodging at Sami Court Resort Limited, raising questions about the propriety of such expenditure, especially given its connection to funds intended for critical national infrastructure.
Key details include:
- Alleged Spending: The payments, totaling ₦20 million, were for a one-bedroom serviced apartment over one year (August 2021 to August 2022). Payments were reportedly made by various entities, including Golden Bond Nigeria Limited, Mintedge Nigeria Limited, Abdullahi Suleiman, and A.I.J Global Tools Limited, all on behalf of Mamman.
- EFCC Prosecution: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Mamman on a 12-count charge of conspiracy and money laundering amounting to over ₦33.8 billion. The resort payments form part of the evidence.
- Testimony: Colonel Adebisi Adesanya (rtd), owner of Sami Court Resort, disclosed the invoicing details and the nature of the serviced apartments. He provided evidence linking Mamman to the expenditures through the resort’s UBA account transactions.
- Court Proceedings: The case has been adjourned to January 13, 2025, for further trial.
These revelations not only underline the challenges of managing public funds but also emphasize the necessity for robust oversight mechanisms. The ongoing trial will likely shed more light on these allegations and determine the accountability of the parties involved.
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