ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-A prosecution witness on Wednesday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, approved the controversial payment of $6.23 million now at the centre of an alleged fraud case.
The witness, Commissioner of Police Eloho Ekpoziakpho, who heads the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos, gave the testimony while appearing as Prosecution Witness 14 before Justice Hamza Mu’azu.
Emefiele is standing trial on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy to obtain money under false pretences.
Led in evidence by Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness said he was part of the investigative team that probed the alleged fraudulent withdrawal from the Central Bank of Nigeria.
He told the court that findings from the investigation showed the payment was made with the approval of the former apex bank chief.
Ekpoziakpho further disclosed that some individuals interrogated during the investigation made confessional statements, while the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied initiating any request for funds meant for foreign election observers.
The witness identified a document said to have originated from the SGF’s office, which purportedly conveyed approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari for the payment.
He explained that the document, dated January 26, 2023, was addressed to Emefiele in his capacity as CBN governor, authorising the disbursement of $6.23 million.
READ ALSO:High Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of Emefiele Linked Assets, Funds
“Our findings showed that the document was honoured. It was treated, and the money was paid. We recovered the document from the CBN where the money was cashed,” the witness said.
He also identified documents detailing the payment, including a February 8, 2023 transaction record confirming the release of the funds, as well as an internal memo instructing that the amount be paid.
During proceedings, defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), objected to aspects of the testimony, arguing that the witness could not give evidence on documents already tendered by the prosecution.
However, Oyedepo countered that the documents had been admitted and that the witness was entitled to explain them in relation to the case.
In his ruling, Justice Mu’azu held that while the witness could be questioned on the documents already before the court, he could not delve into their detailed contents.
The witness also told the court that the investigation was conducted in collaboration with Jim Obazee, a special investigator appointed by the President to probe activities at the apex bank.
According to him, Obazee requested the support of police personnel to assist in carrying out the investigation.
Following the testimony, the court adjourned the matter until July 2 and 3, 2026, for continuation of trial.