The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) PW11 witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele on Thursday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, that $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Garki Branch of the CBN on February 8, 2023, using forged documents.
Bashirudden Maishanu, an Assistant Director at CBN, who was led in evidence by the prosecutor and Director of Public Prosecutions, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), told the court that the withdrawal was purportedly for an election observer and related logistics.
According to the EFCC, Maishanu said he became acquainted with the defendant in 2015 through one Eric, Emefiele’s personal assistant at the time.
The witness explained that he was approached in early January 2023 by a man named Alhaji Ahmed, who introduced himself and claimed that Eric had asked him to discuss some transactions being processed at the CBN.
“Ahmed said he was working in a Special Committee in the SGF’s office. I asked for his ID, which he showed me, and then asked him to call Mr. Eric to confirm. He called, and Eric confirmed that he had indeed asked Ahmed to see me,” Maishanu said.
He added that Ahmed told him the transactions were being processed on the authority of the President and that once they obtained written presidential approval, they would proceed to the CBN for payment. Maishanu said he asked what role he was to play, as he was not based at the branch where the payment was to be made. Ahmed reportedly told him it was too early to say and that he would provide details after government approval was obtained.
About a week later, Ahmed returned, claiming that presidential approval had been secured. Maishanu said he demanded to see it, and Ahmed showed him a copy. Ahmed then explained that they needed Emefiele’s approval at CBN and requested that Maishanu either accompany them or recommend someone to go with them for the cash withdrawal. Maishanu declined but offered to suggest a friend.
“Ahmed admitted that once government approval was obtained, my friend could collect the cash. On February 8, my friend went with his driver and collected $6,230,000 at the Garki Branch of CBN. They were later dropped off at 09 ClubHouse inside Ibrahim Coomasie Crescent. My friend informed me that Ahmed had left with $2.5 million in cash with his associates,” Maishanu testified.
He said he advised his friends to keep the money, a suggestion they accepted. “I saw the cash and thought it was outrageous because we never negotiated any payment with Alhaji Ahmed. I suggested that we keep the money, and they agreed,” he added.
When asked about sanctions for erring CBN officials, Maishanu said they vary depending on the severity of the offense. Sanctions could include demotion, termination, dismissal, or warnings, all detailed in the bank’s human resources handbook. He added that before any sanction is applied, a disciplinary committee conducts an investigation, holds hearings with the involved staff, and recommends appropriate action to management.
Emefiele is facing trial on charges including allegedly accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent receipt of property.
