Game-Changer! EFCC Reveals Fresh Video Footage In ₦33 Billion Fraud Case Involving Ex-Power Minister

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) played a video of Mamman’s statement in a trial-within-trial to demonstrate that his confessions were made voluntarily, despite his claims of coercion. Mamman faces 12 charges related to alleged money laundering linked to the Zungeru and Mambilla hydroelectric power projects, with the EFCC accusing him of conspiring to launder ₦33.8 billion.

During the session, the prosecution called EFCC investigator Abubakar Kwaido, who testified that Mamman was neither harassed nor coerced during his detention. “At no point did I intimidate or harass him,” Kwaido stated. “My superior even asked him if he could write, but Mamman chose to have his lawyer do it on his behalf.”

The prosecution then played the video, where Mamman explained that he made cash payments of ₦5 million on three occasions to avoid bank transactions. “Honestly, I gave him ₦5 million about three times. I didn’t transfer or put it in his account. I gave him cash,” Mamman said. “As a civil servant, I’ve been very careful with my finances.”

Mamman also mentioned a conversation with a person named Sam regarding a house in Kado and another property purchase in Wuse, Abuja. “We bought the house from ₦30 to ₦35 million and agreed I would pay in tranches,” he recalled, explaining that the transaction was conducted using someone else’s name.

Throughout the video, Mamman accused Abubakar Bida, the Mambilla project accountant, of dishonesty, while admitting to benefiting from the transactions. “Whether I like it or not, I benefited because my people have benefited from the money,” he confessed.

Mamman also explained that health issues prevented him from writing and that his lawyer had been tasked with writing on his behalf. “Honestly, I can’t write. I’m not too strong. The doctors warned me not to stress myself,” he said.

The presiding judge, James Omotosho, adjourned the case to April 14 for further proceedings.