A dramatic turn unfolded at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, as a prosecution witness revealed that a staggering $6.23 billion was allegedly moved out of the Central Bank of Nigeria under questionable circumstances tied to the 2023 general elections.
Testifying before Justice Hamza Muazu, Chinedu Eneanya, the 13th prosecution witness, told the court that the funds were withdrawn under the pretext of financing foreign election observers during the polls. Eneanya, a member of the investigative team, said the operation formed part of a broader scheme uncovered during the probe into the tenure of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
The witness disclosed that key documents authorising the release of the funds were retrieved from the apex bank, but forensic analysis allegedly exposed a disturbing twist — the signatures attributed to late former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were forged.
According to Eneanya, investigators confirmed that neither Buhari nor Mustapha approved the controversial transaction, despite their names appearing on official documents used to justify the disbursement.
He further revealed that multiple individuals linked to the transaction were invited for questioning, while five officials of the Central Bank who endorsed the internal memo have since been suspended.
Emefiele is currently facing an amended 20-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining by false pretence.
Tension rose in the courtroom during cross-examination as defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), challenged the credibility and pace of the prosecution’s case, urging the court to foreclose further proceedings if the remaining witnesses fail to appear at the next sitting. He accused the prosecution of stalling the trial in a way that could undermine justice.
However, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), pushed back, insisting there was no deliberate delay. He explained that the outstanding witnesses are currently outside the court’s jurisdiction, specifically in Benin City and Lagos, making immediate appearance difficult.
Justice Muazu, in his ruling, declined to entertain arguments on the application at this stage, directing both parties to reserve their positions until final addresses. He further ordered the prosecution to collaborate with the court registrar to ensure subpoenas are issued to compel the attendance of the remaining witnesses.
The case has been adjourned to April 28, 2026, for continuation, as the courtroom battle over one of Nigeria’s most explosive financial scandals in recent history intensifies.