An Abuja High Court on Tuesday heard testimony alleging that $6.23 million meant for election observers was fraudulently withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria during the administration of former CBN governor Godwin Emefiele.
The allegation was made by CP Eloho Okpozikbo while testifying in the trial instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Emefiele is facing multiple counts, including abuse of office, conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence, and has denied the charges before Justice Hamza Muazu.
Okpozikbo, the 14th prosecution witness, said investigators uncovered evidence suggesting the funds were released on the basis of a purported directive linked to the Presidency for the financing of international election observers for the 2023 polls.
He added that officials of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation denied initiating or approving such a request.
The witness further told the court that interrogations of suspects produced confessional statements and that documents recovered from the CBN’s Abuja branch showed approval processes leading to the payment.
Tensions briefly rose in court after defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), objected to the manner of examination, arguing that the prosecution was effectively coaching the witness.
Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) rejected the objection, insisting the witness was merely clarifying documentary evidence already before the court.
The judge cautioned both sides to ensure efficient use of court time and adjourned the matter until 2 July for continuation of hearing.
