A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court that some suspects admitted to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank.
Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division on a 20-count amended charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Testifying as the 14th prosecution witness, Eloho Okpoziakpo, a Commissioner of Police with the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos, said he was part of the investigative team assigned to probe activities within the CBN.
According to him, intelligence gathered during the investigation indicated that the $6.23 million was withdrawn from the CBN’s Abuja branch with the defendant’s approval.
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He told the court that several suspects, including one identified as Maishanu, confessed to their involvement in the alleged fraud.
The witness also disclosed that the funds were purportedly meant for international election observers during the 2023 general election. However, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied making any such request when contacted during the investigation.
Okpoziakpo further stated that the withdrawal was supported by documents, including a letter said to convey presidential approval at the time.
He identified key exhibits already tendered in court, including a request for the release of funds and an approval document dated January 24, 2023. He also said records showed the money was disbursed in $100 denominations on February 8, 2023.
The court heard that the witness personally retrieved several of the documents from the CBN Abuja branch where the funds were processed.
Following the proceedings, Justice Muazu adjourned the case until July 2 for continuation of hearing.
