Former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Governor, Godwin Emefiele, was the on Tuesday accused of authorising the process that led to the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank, as prosecution witness told the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory , FCT that some suspects involved had confessed.
Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama High Court, Abuja, on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC alleged that the $6.23 million was withdrawn under the pretext of funding international election observers for the 2023 general elections.
The anti-graft agency also accused Emefiele of conferring corrupt advantages on April 1616 Nigeria Limited and Architekon Nigeria Limited.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At the resumed hearing, the 14th prosecution witness, Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Fraud Unit, Lagos, Eloho Okpoziakpo, told the court that he was part of a team deployed to assist special investigator, Jim Obaze in investigating the CBN and other government entities.
He said the team received intelligence that $6.23 million was fraudulently withdrawn from the Abuja branch of the CBN with Emefiele’s alleged approval.
According to the witness, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has denied requesting funds for international election observers, contrary to claims used to justify the withdrawal.
The witness further said investigators recovered documents allegedly used to process the payment, including a letter alleged to contain the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The trial Judge Justice Muazu adjourned the case until July 2 for continuation of hearing.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
