The trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, unfolded on Thursday before Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
Emefiele is facing a 20-count amended charge alleging corrupt advantages, conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and obtaining by false pretenses amounting to $6,230,000.
During the latest court session, a forensic analyst confirmed the forgery of a document used to request the payment of $6.2 million for foreign election observers. The witness, Bamaiyi Meriga, called by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), testified that forensic analysis revealed clear evidence of signature forgery, with discrepancies noted in the seal of execution compared to the original.
Meriga also clarified that the signatures on the documents did not match those of former President Muhammadu Buhari and the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. The trial judge, Justice Muazu, admitted two documents, including a presidential directive on foreign observers, as evidence.
During cross-examination by Emefiele’s counsel, Meriga disclosed that he was not an EFCC staff and was not compensated by the anti-graft agency. However, he clarified that his salary was managed by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Emefiele’s counsel, Matthew Burkaa, expressed dissatisfaction with the witness’s conduct, alleging evasion of questions. In response, the Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, disputed the defense counsel’s assertions.
The trial was adjourned until March 11 for further proceedings.
