Ex-Power Minister: How CBN managed project account for OAGF – Witness tells court

A prosecution witness (PW15) and a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the ongoing trial of the former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, has told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that the apex bank managed what she described as ‘project account’ on behalf of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).

Okoroafor Chinyere, who is a deputy manager, domestic payment division at the bank, stated this while being led under cross-examination by the defendant counsel, Femi Atte, SAN

Under cross-examination, she confirmed to the court that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) wrote a letter to the bank, demanding for details on the ministry of power and it was given to them.

While speaking on the project account, which documents were tendered and admitted as exhibit, Okoroafor confirmed that the bank manages the account on behalf of the accountant general office.

On whether she is familiar with the remittal payment process, she answered in the affirmative.

But when asked whether it was possible for the former minister or his office to make approval, she said: “I cannot say”.

“We don’t receive instructions to make payment on remittal. We only get a directive from OAGF,” Okoroafor said.

When asked whether he would be carrying out a re-examination, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN declined, and the witness was subsequently discharged.

An EFCC investigator and PW 17, Abubakar Gabdo told the court that the commission had invited the defendant to its office, and he gave a statement.

Mamman is facing a 12-count charge of money laundering preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Meanwhile, Justice Omotosho has adjourned to the 7th, 10th, 14th April, and 2nd May 2025 for trial within trial and continuation of hearing.