A key prosecution witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele has told an Abuja High Court that the embattled ex-banker did not benefit from the alleged $6.2 million fraud at the apex bank.
Testifying on Thursday as the 14th prosecution witness (PW14), Assistant Commissioner of Police Okpoziakpo Eloho made the disclosure during cross-examination by Emefiele’s lead counsel, Mathew Burkaa, SAN.
Eloho, who led the police investigation into the matter, stated that Emefiele, in his written statement, denied ever authorising the release of the funds or receiving any correspondence from the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
The witness further revealed that none of the individuals interviewed during the investigation, including those directly linked to the transaction, claimed that Emefiele derived any personal benefit from the money.
According to Eloho, one Jibril Abubakar, who presented himself as a staff member of the SGF’s office, collected the $6.2 million from the CBN’s Abuja branch. Investigations, however, revealed that Abubakar was not an employee of the SGF.
Another CBN staff member, Bashirudeen Maishanu, reportedly confessed to involvement in the theft of the funds. The witness admitted under cross-examination that standard protocols at the CBN were breached in the processing, approval, and release of the funds. Normally, correspondence from the CBN governor is expected to pass through the deputy governor before moving down the hierarchy.
Eloho also confirmed that former SGF Boss Mustapha had told investigators that his signature on related documents was forged. He noted that while a forensic examination was conducted on Mustapha’s signature, a similar verification was not carried out on Emefiele’s signature.
Emefiele is facing charges bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money by false pretence. He is accused of conferring corrupt advantages on two companies, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the matter until Friday for continuation of the trial.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
