The trial of former Godwin Emefiele continued on Tuesday as a prosecution witness told the court that suspects linked to the case confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank.
Testifying before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, a Commissioner of Police, Eloho Okpoziakpo, said investigations revealed that the funds were illegally withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Witness Details Investigation
Okpoziakpo, who appeared as the 14th prosecution witness, told the court he was part of a special investigative team led by Jim Obaze, appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the team was responsible for interrogating suspects, gathering intelligence, and reviewing documents linked to the alleged fraud.
He stated that some individuals involved in the transaction admitted during questioning that the money was unlawfully withdrawn.
“Investigation revealed that the money was fraudulently taken because some of the suspects confessed,” he told the court.
Controversial Withdrawal Linked to Election Observers
The witness explained that the $6.23 million was reportedly requested for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
However, he said the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied making such a request when contacted by investigators.
He added that documents used to process the withdrawal included a request memo and a letter conveying what was presented as presidential approval under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Charges Against Emefiele
Emefiele is facing a 20-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges include:
- Criminal breach of trust
- Forgery
- Abuse of office
- Conspiracy
- Obtaining money by false pretence
- The alleged offences involve $6.23 million.
The EFCC also accused the former CBN governor of conferring corrupt advantages on two companies — April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd.
Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Key Evidence Presented
The witness told the court that several documents were recovered from the CBN Abuja branch where the funds were withdrawn.
He identified exhibits detailing:
- The disbursement of the funds in $100 denominations
- Internal approval memos authorising payment
- Correspondence linked to the request
- Court Adjourns Proceedings
Presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the case to July 2, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The court had earlier issued a subpoena directing both the witness and lead investigator to testify and present evidence relating to the case, including materials connected to the naira redesign policy.
