In a recent hearing at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it was revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had processed a payment of $6.23 million on February 8, 2023, for election observers based on forged signatures. A Forensic Documents Examiner from the EFCC, Bamaiyi Mairiga, disclosed that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and ex-SGF Boss Mustapha were forged in the transaction.
Mairiga, who is seconded from the Nigerian Immigration Service, testified as the sixth prosecution witness in the trial of the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. He detailed how he determined the signatures were forged through forensic scrutiny. This aligns with Mustapha's previous claim that his and Buhari's signatures were forged.
The forensic examination focused on documents titled "Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions" and "Re-Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Missions," purportedly signed by Buhari and Mustapha respectively. Mairiga's analysis revealed distinct differences in pen movements, loop formations, and other characteristics compared to genuine specimens.
Mairiga clarified that his analysis didn't involve Emefiele's signature and that he was unaware of the specific reasons for Emefiele's presence in court. He concluded by submitting his report, which was admitted into evidence without objection from the defence.
