Amidst the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor Godwin Emefiele, the First Prosecution Witness (PW1), Ogau Onyeka Michael, unveiled on Monday, February 12, 2024, to Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, the manner in which Emefiele sanctioned the disbursement of $6,230,000 in physical currency for international election observers during the 2023 general election.
Michael’s deposition illuminated the endorsement granted by the former CBN chief for the remittance to international election observers. Emefiele is presently on trial before Justice Muazu, facing a litany of 20-count amended charges, encompassing allegations of illicit gains, collusion, fraudulent violation of trust, fabrication, and acquisition through deceit, involving the amount of $6,230,000.
The ongoing judicial proceedings unveil a pivotal facet of Emefiele’s incumbency, elucidating financial determinations and transactions executed during his tenure as the CBN governor. The disclosure emerging from the trial underscores the paramount importance of openness and answerability in managing financial affairs within the regulatory apparatus of the nation.
Meanwhile, The Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Refutes Authorization of $6.2M Payment in Emefiele TrialIn the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, ex-SGF Boss Mustapha asserted at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja that the purported signature from former President Muhammadu Buhari for the payment to foreign election observers was counterfeit. Mustapha, the second prosecution witness, highlighted irregularities in the letter’s structure, emphasizing that the oversight of election observers falls within the purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rather than the Federal Government.
During cross-examination, Mustapha disclaimed any familiarity with a specialized task force on logistics or an individual named “Jibrin Abubakar, Principal Officer 1” within the SGF’s office. Justice Hamza Muazu adjourned the proceedings to March 7th, 11th, and 25th for further adjudication.
