Former Minister Challenges EFCC's N31.7 Billion Fraud Allegations
Former Minister of Power, Engineer Sale Mamman, has boldly declared that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) possesses no substantial case against him in the high-profile N31.70 billion fraud trial.
The dramatic development unfolded at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, November 7, 2025, when Mamman's legal team announced plans to file a no-case submission immediately after the anti-graft agency closed its prosecution.
Prosecution Witness Undermines EFCC's Case
In a surprising turn of events, the EFCC's 17th prosecution witness (PW17), Abubakar Gabdo, delivered testimony that significantly weakened the commission's allegations during cross-examination.
Gabdo explicitly told the court that Mamman is neither the owner nor a signatory to any of the companies implicated in the alleged fraud scheme. The witness confirmed that the former minister had consistently denied any connections to the firms mentioned in the investigation.
The EFCC had accused Mamman of conspiring with others to divert funds from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works, and Housing through various corporate accounts. Companies named in the allegations included Breathable Investment, Fullest Utility Concepts, and Golden Bond Nigeria Ltd., along with accounts operated by Bureau de Change agents.
Revealing Details About Project Account Management
Gabdo's testimony shed crucial light on the management structure of the Mambila Zungeru Special Project Account maintained at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Seven individuals were identified as responsible for overseeing the account: Mustapha Abubakar Bida, Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi, Ben Nsikak, Stephen Ojo, Oladipo Adebowale, Micheal Achua, and Ogunjobi Olusola.
According to the witness, Bida, serving as Chief Account Officer, held exclusive authority to grant final approval for transactions. Gabdo admitted that neither the Minister nor the Permanent Secretary had the power to authorize disbursements from the Special Project Account.
Perhaps most damaging to the prosecution's case, Gabdo revealed that documentary evidence showed:
- Some payments occurred before Mamman's appointment as Minister in 2019
- Several companies continued receiving substantial sums from the project account after Mamman left office in 2021
- Fullest Utility Concepts Limited received significant payments starting from 2019
- Platinum Touch Enterprise received millions of naira from October 2021, including 18 transactions in a single day
- Other beneficiaries included Silverline Ocean, Gurubce Limited, and Royal Perimeter Ventures
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Following Gabdo's testimony, EFCC counsel A.O. Mohammed formally closed the prosecution's case. In immediate response, Mamman's lawyer, S. T. Abba, informed the court of their intention to file a no-case submission.
The defense argued that the prosecution failed to establish any credible link between Mamman and the alleged financial crimes. Justice James Omotosho subsequently adjourned the matter until November 27, 2025, for the adoption of written addresses.
This case represents one of the most significant corruption trials in Nigeria's power sector, with the outcome potentially having far-reaching implications for accountability in government ministries.
