By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Alleged Forgery: Ex-SGF testifies against former CBN Governor.
Former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, testified on Tuesday, alleging that $6.2 million was released from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in February 2023 using a forged document. Mustapha, appearing as the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing fraud trial of the immediate-past CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, made the revelation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had accused Emefiele of colluding with Odoh Ocheme, who is currently on the run, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN under false pretenses. The funds were purportedly requested by the SGF in a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/.
According to Mustapha, the document, titled “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201, was forged. He emphasized that neither did the document originate from the president nor his office.
Mustapha refuted any association with the forgery especially on the forged documents or the receipt of any funds. He stated that throughout his tenure as SGF, he never encountered the alleged documents purportedly signed by President Buhari. Mustapha pointed out several inconsistencies in the document, including the absence of the president’s seal and unusual language not typical of official correspondences.
Furthermore, Mustapha clarified that the Federal Government has no involvement with foreign election observers, as it falls under the sole purview of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During cross-examination, Mustapha reiterated his lack of involvement in the alleged transactions and emphasized that such practices were not standard procedures in his office. Ogbu Michael, a Deputy Director at the CBN, also testified, confirming the authorization of the $6.2 million payment and its delivery in cash to an individual named Jubril Abubakar.
The trial continues, with the next hearing scheduled for March 7, 11, and 25.
Forgery, Corruption