A new development has emerged in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a court in Abuja that key signatures used to authorise the withdrawal of millions of dollars were forged.
The anti-graft agency made the allegation on Monday during proceedings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, stating that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were falsified to facilitate the release of $6.23 million.
The claim was presented during the resumed hearing of the case, marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, in which Emefiele is facing a 20-count charge brought by the Federal Government. The charges include criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money under false pretence.
Testifying as the 13th prosecution witness, EFCC Assistant Commander II, Chinedu Eneanya, told the court that investigations uncovered irregularities in the documentation used to process the funds from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
According to the witness, the funds were allegedly approved under the pretext that they were meant to support foreign election observers during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. He explained that a special investigative team was constituted to examine the transaction, leading to the recovery of several documents from the central bank.
Eneanya stated that these documents are now part of the evidence being relied upon by the prosecution to establish its case against the former CBN governor.
The court also heard that the EFCC is continuing efforts to present additional witnesses as part of its case. Presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, advised both the prosecution and defence teams to reserve detailed arguments for their final written addresses.
He further directed the prosecution to take necessary steps to ensure the attendance of its remaining witnesses in order to avoid further delays in the proceedings.
Following the day’s session, the court adjourned the matter to April 28 for continuation of trial.
Emefiele has consistently denied all allegations brought against him, maintaining his innocence as the case progresses.
The trial, which has attracted significant public attention, is seen as one of the major corruption cases involving a former top financial regulator in Nigeria. Legal analysts say the outcome could have broader implications for accountability within public institutions, particularly in the management of public funds.
As proceedings continue, both the prosecution and defence are expected to intensify their legal arguments, with the court ultimately tasked with determining the validity of the allegations and the evidence presented.
