An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that $6.23 million was withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) during the tenure of former governor Godwin Emefiele for a purported election observer exercise during the 2023 general elections.
Testifying before the court, EFCC investigator Chinedu Eneanya said investigations revealed that the funds were removed from the CBN vault under the claim that they were meant for foreign election observers.
The EFCC is prosecuting Emefiele on a 20-count amended charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, obtaining by false pretence, procurement fraud, and conspiracy. The former CBN governor has denied all allegations.
According to the witness, documents used to authorise the withdrawal were traced to the apex bank, while several individuals connected to the transaction were questioned during investigations.
He further told the court that forensic findings showed signatures attributed to former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were allegedly forged to approve the release of the money.
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that no forensic analysis was carried out on Emefiele’s signature. He also confirmed that five CBN officials who approved the internal memo are not standing trial, though they were reportedly suspended.
When asked whether investigations proved Emefiele personally received the funds, the witness said a lawyer, Ifeanyi Omeke, claimed he collected money on behalf of the former CBN governor. He added that Emefiele was not questioned specifically on that allegation.
Proceedings were later delayed after the prosecution failed to produce additional witnesses. Defence counsel asked the court to close the prosecution’s case if the remaining witnesses fail to appear.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until Tuesday for continuation of trial.
