A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a questionable election monitoring exercise during the 2023 polls.
Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu, EFCC investigator Chinedu Eneanya said the funds were removed from the CBN vault under the pretext of paying foreign election observers.
“The investigation revealed that $6.23 million was removed from the coffers of the CBN for purported funding of foreign observers,” he told the court.
The EFCC is prosecuting former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele on a 20-count charge bordering on fraud, conspiracy, and breach of trust. At the centre of the case is what the commission described as a “phoney” observer scheme tied to the 2023 general election. Emefiele has denied all allegations.
Eneanya further revealed that documents used to authorise the withdrawal allegedly bore forged signatures of former president Muhammadu Buhari and ex-SGF Boss Mustapha, following forensic analysis.
However, under cross-examination, the witness admitted that no forensic examination was carried out on Emefiele’s signature. He also confirmed that none of the five CBN officials who approved the internal memo are currently on trial, though they have been suspended.
On whether Emefiele personally received the funds, Eneanya said a lawyer, Ifeanyi Omeke, claimed to have collected money on his behalf, but added that the former CBN governor was not questioned on the claim.
Trial Tension Over Witnesses
Proceedings took a dramatic turn when the prosecution failed to present additional witnesses, citing difficulties in securing their attendance.
Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo said key witnesses were outside the court’s jurisdiction, prompting the defence to push for the case to be foreclosed if they fail to appear.
Defence counsel Matthew Burkaa argued that delays were unfair to the defendant, while the prosecution insisted it needed time to conclude its case.
Justice Muazu directed both sides to reserve arguments for final addresses and ordered that subpoenas be issued. The case was adjourned for continuation.
Earlier Evidence Supports Claims
The testimony aligns with earlier evidence from CBN officials and forensic experts, who told the court that the $6.23 million was withdrawn in cash and backed by allegedly forged documents.
