A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that some suspects had confessed to the alleged fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the apex bank.
Emefiele is standing trial before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama Division of the court on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.
The funds in question were allegedly earmarked for international election observers during the 2023 general elections.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused the former CBN governor of conferring unlawful benefits on two firms, April 1616 Nigeria Ltd and Architekon Nigeria Ltd. He has, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
At the resumed hearing, the 14th prosecution witness, Eloho Okpoziakpo, a Commissioner of Police with the Special Fraud Unit in Lagos, told the court he was part of a team deployed to assist the special investigator, Jim Obazee, appointed by President Bola Tinubu to probe the CBN and other government agencies.
Okpoziakpo said his duties included taking statements from suspects, conducting interrogations, and supporting intelligence gathering for the investigation.
Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), the witness said investigations revealed that $6.23 million was withdrawn from the CBN Abuja branch with Emefiele’s approval.
He told the court that several suspects were interrogated, with some allegedly making confessional statements.
“Investigation revealed that the money was fraudulently taken because some of the suspects, including Maishanu, confessed,” he said.
Okpoziakpo added that the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied requesting funds for election observers, contrary to claims linked to the disbursement. He said written correspondence confirmed this position.
The witness further told the court that the withdrawal was supported by documents, including a letter conveying alleged presidential approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He identified several exhibits, including a request for release of funds addressed to Emefiele and an approval dated January 24, 2023. He said the request was subsequently processed and the funds disbursed.
Okpoziakpo also testified that he personally recovered documents from the CBN Abuja branch detailing the cash withdrawal, including records showing disbursement in $100 denominations on February 8, 2023.
He said further documents included internal memos from the Director of Banking Services approving the payment.
Justice Muazu adjourned the matter until July 2 for continuation of hearing.
Earlier, the court had issued a subpoena compelling both Okpoziakpo and special investigator Jim Obazee to appear and testify in the case.
The subpoena, dated April 27, 2026, directed them to attend court on April 28, 2026, and provide evidence relating to the investigation into the alleged offences.
The court also directed them to tender documents relating to the naira redesign policy, noting that both officials were involved in the investigation that led to the charges against the former CBN governor.
