BREAKING: EFCC Alleges Forged Signatures in $6.23 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Emefiele

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, of being involved in a fraudulent scheme that allegedly misappropriated $6.23 million.

EFCC witness, Assistant Commander II Chinedu Eneanya, testified that the signatures of late President Muhammadu Buhari and former SGF Boss Mustapha were forged to facilitate the theft.

During the trial, Eneanya revealed that five CBN officials helped withdraw the funds under the false pretext that it was for foreign election observers in the 2023 general elections.

Eneanya stated that documents from the CBN showed the funds were withdrawn using approvals that appeared to have the signatures of Buhari and Mustapha.

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However, forensic analysis later determined that both signatures were forged.

The total amount, which was about $6.23 million, was withdrawn from the CBN’s accounts, allegedly for the purpose of funding foreign observers.

Emefiele is facing 20 charges related to abuse of office, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and fraud.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges leveled against him.

The defence, represented by Mathew Burkaa (SAN), cross-examined the witness and pointed out that no forensic examination had been conducted on Emefiele’s signature, despite claims that it too was forged.

Eneanya admitted that this was the case and mentioned that five CBN officials who were involved in authorising the funds had only been suspended and were not being tried alongside Emefiele.

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The witness also stated that he did not personally take Emefiele’s extra-judicial statement and could not confirm if the former CBN Governor personally received any funds.

He also mentioned that a lawyer, Ifeanyi Omeke, had claimed to have received money on Emefiele’s behalf but said that no direct investigation was done into this.

Tensions grew in court when the defence objected to the prosecution’s intention to call additional witnesses, claiming it was a delay tactic.

In response, the defence requested the court to dismiss the case if the prosecution failed to present its remaining witnesses at the next hearing.

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Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered the request, explaining that the EFCC was making efforts to bring in two key witnesses who were unavailable due to being outside the jurisdiction.

Justice Hamza Muazu, who presided over the case, directed the prosecution to ensure all outstanding witnesses attend the next hearing and advised both sides to save further arguments for their final addresses.

The trial has been adjourned until April 28 for further proceedings.

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