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Alleged N33.8bn fraud: Funds paid into my account not from ministry of power – Witness

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Engineer Sale Mamman Former Minister Of Powe

A witness in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman has told a Federal High Court that the narration of funds paid into his account did not indicate they came from the ministry.

Abdullahi Suleiman, who is a bureau de change operator, said his companies received funds in their different bank accounts before and after Mamman’s tenure as minister.

Mamman is facing a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering worth N33.8 billion preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

At the cross-examination by the defence counsel on Tuesday, Femi Ate (SAN), Suleiman admitted that the funds contained in the Accountant General of the Federation entries were paid into his companies’ accounts.

The payments are: Fullest Utility Concept received N254m and N49.6m on May 9, 2018; N659.9m received on January 16, 2019 and N407m on July 20, 2019.

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Platinum Touch Enterprise Ltd received N849m on October 21, 2021; N86.5m and 86.9m and N97m on October 29, 2021.

Silverline Ocean Ventures received N90m on February 24, 2022, and N82m and N90m on March 30, 2022; Bureau Change received N90m and N92m on March 30, 2022; and Royal Promoter Venture received N85m.

The witness stated that he knew that the money he received in 2023, while the EFCC were still investigating the matter, came from one Mustapha Abubakar Bida through Maina Goje, who was also questioned by the EFCC, adding that some funds (N217m) were returned to the anti-graft agency, including some dollars.

“I received money before and after the minister’s appointment and departure. Maina Goje did not tell me why he said I should make payment to the EFCC,” he said.

He admitted that the narration of the transfer read, ‘Federal MI being payment for office consumer’ and other similar narrations.

However, under re-examination by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Suleiman admitted that when the EFCC invited him to their office, they informed him that the funds came from the Ministry of Power.

Another witness, Misbahu Idris of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company testified that he worked with the ex-minister as a special assistant and facilitated the disbursement of funds sent by Goje “Based on instructions from Engr Sale Mamman.”

Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the matter to Wednesday for the cross-examination of the witness.

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2027: Ex-DSS DG, Lawal Daura to Contest Katsina Governorship

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

Former State Security Service Director-General, Lawal Daura, has announced his plans to run for the 2027 governorship election in Katsina State. He criticized the current administration’s performance and highlighted ongoing security issues as key reasons for his decision to enter the race.

During an interview with DCL Hausa on Tuesday, Mr. Daura stated that he has finished consulting about his political aspirations and will soon reveal the political party under which he plans to run.

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He said, “I have been making consultations on the platform to use to contest, and the consultations have been concluded. Very soon, I will make the platform known.

“Why do people serve for one or two terms? If they get it right, fine. But if the reverse is the case, then there is no point in seeking re-election. It is obvious the current governor is not capable.

“It is like putting a load on somebody and adjusting it. If he complains that the load is too heavy, you have to take it down to avoid destroying fragile items. For the current administration, we can say thank you for your efforts, but you should take a break because you can’t continue.

“I never saw myself coming out to contest. I admire politics, but I only participated from the background.”

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Court reverses dissolution of NNPP executives

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Kano high court has invalidated the dissolution of state, local and ward executive Council of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano, amounting the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) null and void.

In an exparte order granted by Justice Nasiru Saminu on Tuesday, the equally restrained the National Working Committee of NNPP from taking any further step regarding the leadership structure of the party in Kano until the hearing and determination of motion on notice filed by the plaintiff.

In a suit No. K/06/2026 instituted by one Abdullahi Zubairu Imam and five others (plaintiffs) on behalf of the executive Committee of NNPP at 44 local government areas of the state was filed against the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) as defendant, challenging their dissolution.

In the interim injunction, Justice Saminu also directed all parties to maintain Status-Quo-Ante as at 30th December, 2025, prior to the purported dissolution directive issued by the NWC of the party.

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“After hearing on the matter filed by K.K. Njidda Esq with S.A. Muhammad Esq counsels to the Applicants the court hereby order an interim injunction restraining the Defendant/Respondent either by himself, his agents, privies cohort, ad-hoc Committees, National Working Committee or any other persons acting on its Instruction howsoever described from appointing Caretaker Committees for the State, Local Government and Ward levels Executives of Kano State or taking any further step In respect of the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice filed before this court.

“An order of interim injunction mandating the Defendant/Respondent maintain STATUS QUO ANTE as at 30 December, 2025 prior to the purported dissolution of the Kano State, Local Government and Ward levels executives pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.

“AN ORDER of this Honorable Court granting the Plaintiffs/Applicants to issue and serve the process in this suit on the Defendant at its National Secretariat situate at 11 Mahatma Gandhi Street, Area 11, Garki Abuja, Nigeria which is the outside the jurisdiction of this court”. A copy of the order as signed by Abba Sa’ad, registrar read.

Recall that the NWC of the NNPP declared the dissolution of the executive Council of the party across the party structure in Kano following the suspension of Hon. Hashim Dungurawa as Chairman of the party in the state. Dungurawa has been replaced by Abdullahi Abiya in acting capacity.

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Inuwa Waya Felicitates Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on His 63rd Birthday

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Mallam Inuwa Waya has felicitated the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of his 63rd birthday, describing the milestone as a celebration of a life devoted to public service, leadership, and the development of Kano State.

He commended the Governor’s resilience, commitment to good governance, and dedication to improving the welfare of the people, noting that these qualities continue to inspire many across the state and beyond.

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Mallam Inuwa Waya prayed that Almighty Allah grants the Governor good health, long life, wisdom, and renewed strength to continue serving Kano State and humanity with success.

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