A prosecution witness in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has presented fresh evidence in court over an alleged ₦31 billion fraud case.
The case is being heard before Justice Maryann Anineh at the FCT High Court Maitama.
The first prosecution witness, Umar Abba, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, testified on Wednesday.
He told the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission requested banking records in March 2025.
Abba said the bank provided documents from its internal system.
These included account opening packages, signatory mandates and statements of account.
The documents relate to several companies allegedly linked to the case.
They include Spinhills Biz International Limited, Silverline Ocean Ventures Limited and Beaver Builders Limited.
Other firms mentioned were Gurupche Business Enterprise, Breathable Investment Limited and First-Class Construction Project Limited.
The court admitted the documents as exhibits without objection.
Mamman and seven others face a nine-count charge.
The charges include conspiracy, false pretence and intent to defraud.
Prosecutors allege the offences involve ₦31,070,541,349.64.
Other defendants in the case include Mustapha Abubakar Bida and Joseph Omotayo Adewunmi.
During cross-examination, the witness said he does not know Mamman personally.
He explained that the EFCC letter was not copied to the account holders.
According to him, banking rules prevent such disclosure.
Earlier, Justice Anineh ruled on an application challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge held that a stay of proceedings cannot apply in a criminal trial.
She therefore struck out the application.
The court later granted permission for the second defendant to travel for Hajj.
The judge ordered him to return to Nigeria by March 23, 2026.
He must also submit his passport to the court registrar by March 24.
The case was adjourned to March 25, 2026 for continuation of trial.
