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How Buhari’s Ex-Minister Bought N200m Abuja Property with Dollars – Witness

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Alleged N33bn Fraud: Court Remands Ex-Power Minister Mamman in Prison

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

The Federal High Court in Abuja heard on Tuesday how former Power Minister Saleh Mamman, who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, allegedly purchased a N200 million Abuja property with cash paid in dollars.

Mamman is facing a 12-count charge related to conspiracy and money laundering amounting to N33.8 billion.

Key Testimonies in Court

During the resumed hearing, Mr. Samson Bitrus, the 12th witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), testified that he facilitated the purchase of the property at No. 12 Lungi Street, Wuse 2, Abuja.

Real Estate Agent’s Testimony

Bitrus, a real estate agent from Tekma Grand Advantage Limited, told the court that he was introduced to Mamman by a business associate, Alhaji Mustapha Dan Daura.

  • In 2019, Mamman asked Bitrus to source a property and verify its legitimacy.
  • After confirming the property had no encumbrances, the purchase was finalized.
  • Mamman paid the N200 million price in dollars, counted and confirmed by the seller, identified as Jidda.
  • Mamman took possession of the property, which already had tenants.
  • Bitrus managed the property, collecting a total of N8 million in rent, remitted to an account provided by Mamman.
  • His agency fee was N1.5 million, paid in installments.

Bitrus further revealed another property at Kado Estate, which he managed without Mamman’s direct approval. He rented it out for N2.8 million and N3 million to prevent deterioration. Additionally, another property was leased for N5 million per year, later renovated and rented for N12.5 million.

Since EFCC marked the Wuse 2 property, Bitrus has stopped managing it.

BDC Operator’s Testimony

A Bureau de Change (BDC) operator, Mr. Maina Goje, testified in Hausa through an interpreter, revealing that he regularly delivered money to Mamman’s residence. However, he stated:

  • Mamman never collected money directly; his aides handled transactions.
  • He was introduced to the arrangement by Mustapha, who provided a phone number to call upon arrival.
  • On reaching the house, a designated person would open the gate and take the money, counting it in the boys’ quarters.
  • He once delivered either N30 million or N50 million in new Naira notes packed in bags.
  • Mustapha once handed him N1.819 billion to transfer to contacts in Dubai.

Under cross-examination, Goje denied returning N70 million to the EFCC but admitted benefiting from transactions, though not as much as alleged. He also acknowledged receiving payments from the Ministry of Power for two years before EFCC investigations began.

Court’s Response and Next Steps

Trial Justice James Omotosho denied EFCC’s request for an in-person visit to Mamman’s residence, stating the request should have been made earlier. However, he allowed the EFCC to present another witness to confirm the ownership of the property.

The court admitted a bundle of statements from Goje as Exhibit PW-Z. Mamman remains in prison as the case continues.

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Senator Monguno Delivers Monguno LGA for President Tinubu

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Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Chief Whip of the Senate and distinguished representative of Borno North Senatorial District, has once again proven his political dexterity and grassroots command by delivering Monguno Local Government Area overwhelmingly for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries.

The primaries, conducted in a peaceful and transparent atmosphere, drew massive participation from party faithful, stakeholders, youth groups, and women across Monguno LGA. The exercise was marked by unity, discipline, and enthusiasm, as members reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC and their unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Tinubu.

Senator Monguno, addressing the gathering, commended the people for their steadfastness and collective spirit. He emphasized that the success of the primaries was not merely a reflection of his leadership but a testament to the enduring bond between the APC and the people of Borno North. “Our strength lies in our unity, our discipline, and our loyalty to the ideals of progress and development. Together, we will continue to sustain the dominance of our great party,” he declared.

Observers noted that the outcome of the primaries further cements Senator Monguno’s reputation as a formidable political figure in Borno State. His ability to mobilize diverse groups – from traditional leaders and community stakeholders to youth and women organizations – underscores his deep connection with the grassroots and his commitment to inclusive leadership.

The primaries also highlighted the growing confidence of the people in President Tinubu’s administration. Many participants expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would bring lasting development, security, and prosperity to the region. The atmosphere was charged with chants of solidarity and renewed determination to ensure the continued success of the APC at both state and national levels.

Political analysts have described Monguno’s achievement as a strategic boost for the APC in Borno State, reinforcing the party’s dominance and strengthening its prospects for future contests. The senator’s role in coordinating the primaries has been widely praised as an example of effective leadership and organizational skill.

As the APC consolidates its position across Nigeria, the Monguno LGA primaries stand as a clear demonstration of the party’s resilience and the people’s trust in its vision. Senator Monguno’s influence, coupled with the collective will of Borno North, has once again positioned the district as a stronghold of support for President Tinubu and the APC.

With this successful outing, Borno North remains united, resolute, and firmly committed to advancing the progress of the party and the nation under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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KUMO CONGRATULATES TINUBU ON PRIMARY VICTORY: “NIGERIA HAS FOUND IN YOU A LEADER WORTHY OF HER TRUST “

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Hon. Hamma-Adama Ali Kumo, popularly known as “Dattuwa”, Deputy National Financial Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his landslide victory at the 2026 APC Presidential Primary Election.
In a warm and heartfelt message, Kumo described the President’s victory as a clear and resounding endorsement by millions of ordinary Nigerians who have seen, felt, and believed in his leadership.
“Mr. President, today the people have spoken. From the North to the South, from state to state and ward to ward, APC members came out in their millions to say — we are with you. This victory belongs to every Nigerian who believes in a better tomorrow,” Kumo said.
He praised President Tinubu for the courage and humility he demonstrated by subjecting himself to the democratic process — choosing to stand and be elected rather than using the power of incumbency to sidestep the people’s verdict.
“You are a President who could have taken the easy road. Instead, you opened the door to all, welcomed a challenger, and stood before the Nigerian people to be judged. That is the mark of a true democrat, and we are proud of you,” he said.
Kumo also celebrated the Electoral Act 2026 — signed by the President — which abolished the delegate system and empowered grassroots party members across all 8,809 wards to vote directly for their preferred candidate. He described it as one of the most important gifts any President has given to Nigerian democracy.
“You did not just talk about democracy. You legislated for it, and then you lived by it. That consistency of character is what sets you apart,” Kumo added.
As a member of the APC’s National Working Committee and Chairman of the ITF Governing Board — a position he holds by the confidence of the President — Kumo said he remained fully committed to supporting the Tinubu administration in delivering on its Renewed Hope agenda for all Nigerians.
He closed with a personal charge to the President.
“Your Excellency, the mandate is yours. The people trust you. Go and finish the work. Nigeria is counting on you, and we are all standing firmly behind you.”

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CBIAMEC Elects New Executives as National Coordinator, Onomuodeke Unveils Seven-Point Agenda

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The CSO Budget Implementation, Assessment, Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (CBIAMEC) has on Friday, elected new executives to pilot the affairs of the committee, with Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Onomuodeke, emerging as the newly elected National Coordinator.

The election, which drew members, stakeholders, and observers from different sectors, marked a significant transition in the leadership structure of the committee and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion, and effective project monitoring across the country.

Other officers were also elected into key positions including General Secretary, Head of Operations, Head of Legal, Head of Media, among others.

Speaking shortly after the election, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero unveiled a seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the committee for greater efficiency, visibility, and impact. According to him, the agenda will focus on strengthening institutional capacity, promoting transparency in budget implementation processes, improving collaboration with relevant stakeholders, enhancing media visibility, deepening citizen engagement, promoting inclusiveness, and ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation of projects and policies.

He stressed the importance of unity, professionalism, and dedication among members, noting that civil society organizations must continue to play active roles in promoting good governance and accountability in the country.

The newly elected National Coordinator further pledged to run an open, inclusive, and result-driven administration that would prioritize teamwork, transparency, and national development.

The election also witnessed the presence of notable observers and stakeholders, including Comrade Adodo Solomon, Chairman Public and Private Partnership, as well as international development expert, Mrs. Tamara Jensin, President and Chairman Arc-royal International, alongside other dignitaries.

Members of the committee expressed optimism over the emergence of the new executives, describing the development as a fresh opportunity to reposition the organization and strengthen its relevance within the civic and governance space.

The event concluded with goodwill messages and renewed commitments by members to work collectively toward achieving the vision and objectives of the committee.

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