A prosecution witness, Chinedu Eneanya, on Monday told Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, that $6.23 billion was allegedly diverted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the pretext of funding foreign observers for the 2023 general election.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on an amended 20-count charge. The charges include criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy to obtain by false pretence.
Eneanya, who testified as the 13th prosecution witness (PW13), said he was part of the investigative team. Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, he told the court that investigations showed the funds were withdrawn from the CBN for the alleged purpose of financing foreign election observers.
He said investigators invited and questioned individuals linked to the transactions. They also recovered documents authorising the release of the funds from the apex bank.
According to him, findings indicated that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were forged to facilitate the disbursement.
He added that forensic analysis confirmed the signatures attributed to both officials were not authentic.
Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa, SAN, the witness said five CBN officials who endorsed the internal memo on the transaction were suspended.
Earlier, Burkaa applied for the foreclosure of the prosecution’s case if it failed to present its remaining two witnesses at the next adjourned date. He alleged a pattern of delays aimed at frustrating the defendant.
In response, Oyedepo opposed the application, stating that the prosecution faced challenges securing the attendance of the remaining witnesses, who are reportedly outside the court’s jurisdiction in Benin City and Lagos.
He urged the court to allow the prosecution to conclude its case.
Justice Muazu directed both parties to reserve arguments on the application until final addresses. He also instructed the prosecution to liaise with the court registrar to issue subpoenas for the witnesses.
The case was adjourned to Tuesday, April 28, 2026, for continuation of trial.
