EFCC Alleges Buhari Signature Forged in $6.23m Emefiele Fraud Trial

A major development has emerged in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, were allegedly forged to facilitate the release of $6.23 million.

The allegation was made during proceedings in the case marked FCT/HC/CR/577/2023, where Emefiele is facing a 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and obtaining money under false pretence.

EFCC Assistant Commander II, Chinedu Eneanya, who testified as the 13th prosecution witness, told the court that investigators discovered how the funds were allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria under the claim that they were meant to finance foreign election observers during the 2023 general elections.

He said a special investigative team was constituted after the transaction raised concerns, leading to the recovery of documents from the CBN which now form part of the prosecution’s evidence.

According to him, forensic analysis conducted on the documents showed that the signatures attributed to Buhari and Boss Mustapha were not genuine, suggesting they were falsified to authorise the release of public funds.

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The EFCC maintained that the alleged forgery was part of a broader scheme used to move government funds under false pretences.

However, under cross-examination by defence counsel Mathew Burkaa (SAN), the witness admitted that no forensic examination was carried out on Emefiele’s own signature, despite concerns raised by the defence that it may also have been forged.

He also confirmed that five Central Bank officials endorsed the internal memo that approved the release of the funds. He told the court that those officials are not standing trial alongside Emefiele, as they were only suspended by the CBN.

The witness further stated that he did not personally obtain any statement from the former CBN governor and admitted that there was no direct evidence before him showing that Emefiele personally received the funds in question.

Emefiele’s defence team criticised the prosecution’s approach, arguing that the repeated testimony of investigating officers amounted to duplication of evidence and unnecessary delay.

The defence also urged the court to close the prosecution’s case if it fails to produce its remaining witnesses, accusing the EFCC of wasting judicial time and repeating similar testimonies.

In response, prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) urged the court not to terminate the case, stating that additional witnesses, including Jim Obessa and CP Eloho Okpozikbo, were expected to testify.

He assured the court that the EFCC remained committed to a fair and speedy trial and would complete its presentation of evidence.

Presiding judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, advised both parties to reserve their detailed arguments for final written addresses and directed the prosecution to ensure the attendance of its remaining witnesses.

The matter was subsequently adjourned to April 28 for continuation of trial. Emefiele has continued to deny all allegations against him.

EFCC Alleges Buhari Signature Forged in $6.23m Emefiele Fraud Trial

‘It Is Not Islamic’ — Abba Yusuf Reacts to Viral Underwear Display in Kano

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has condemned a recent incident involving a group of young women who reportedly displayed underwear publicly on the streets of Kano, describing the act as contrary to the religious and cultural values of the state.

The controversy followed the circulation of viral videos and photos on social media showing some young women publicly displaying bras and other undergarments during what appeared to be a promotional campaign within Kano metropolis.

The incident sparked widespread reactions among residents, religious leaders and social commentators, with many condemning the public display as inappropriate in the predominantly Muslim state.

Speaking during a monthly prayer session at the Government House in Kano, Governor Yusuf said he was initially unaware of the incident until he was briefed by aides and concerned stakeholders.

“We heard what happened. We were going about our normal activities when a group of young women went to the street to display something. The governor was not aware of that at the time,” the governor said.

The governor explained that he had reduced his engagement with social media platforms, which delayed his awareness of the situation.

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Reacting to the development, Yusuf strongly condemned the action, insisting that such conduct does not reflect Islamic teachings or the moral standards of Kano society.

“We must condemn this act because it is not in our teachings. It is not Islamic,” he stated.

The governor also appealed to individuals allegedly encouraging or sponsoring such activities to desist, warning against actions capable of disrupting peace and social harmony in the state.

“Those teaching them, I am begging them to stop. Allow Kano to be at peace and allow the people to continue to live in harmony,” he added.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that after learning about the incident, he directed that the young women involved be brought before him for discussions and counselling.

According to him, the girls expressed remorse over their actions and assured authorities that such an incident would not happen again.

The governor further called on parents, teachers, religious scholars and community leaders to play active roles in mentoring young people and safeguarding societal values.

The incident has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some residents supporting the governor’s stance and others raising concerns over personal freedom and public expression.

Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s most conservative states and operates a strong Islamic social system through the Hisbah Board, which monitors issues relating to morality, dress code and public conduct.

In recent years, the state has witnessed repeated debates over entertainment activities, fashion promotions and public behaviour considered inconsistent with Islamic values.

‘It Is Not Islamic’ — Abba Yusuf Reacts to Viral Underwear Display in Kano

29 Killed as Terrorists Storm Football Viewing Centre in Adamawa

No fewer than 29 people have been confirmed dead after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked Sabon-Gari village in Guyaku District of Gombi Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

The deadly assault reportedly occurred on Sunday evening around 5:00 p.m. while residents had gathered at a local football field to watch a community football match.

According to eyewitnesses, the heavily armed insurgents arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately on players and spectators, forcing residents to flee in panic.

A resident, Nimfas Bala, told Daily Trust that the attackers split into two groups and surrounded the community before launching coordinated shootings on villagers.

“I personally counted 29 bodies, while many others are still missing,” Bala said.

Residents said many of the victims were young football fans and players who were trapped during the attack. Several others reportedly sustained injuries, while some villagers remain unaccounted for.

During the invasion, the terrorists also set a church ablaze, destroying musical instruments, plastic chairs and other property within the worship centre.

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Witnesses further disclosed that at least 42 motorcycles belonging to players and spectators were burnt at the football viewing ground.

The attackers also looted several provision shops, carting away food items and valuables before fleeing towards the Sambisa Forest axis, a known insurgent hideout bordering parts of Adamawa and Borno states.

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, visited the affected community on Monday and confirmed the death toll.

The governor described the attack as “tragic and unacceptable,” assuring residents that security agencies would intensify operations in vulnerable communities across the state.

“My heart breaks for the people of Guyaku in Gombi LGA. This act of cowardice will not go unpunished,” Fintiri said during the visit.

He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and pledged government support for affected victims and communities.

The traditional ruler of the area, Aggrey Bechour-Ali, lamented that the attackers operated in the community for hours without resistance.

He called for increased military presence in border communities and warned that informants may be aiding insurgent activities in the area.

Gombi Local Government Area remains one of the most vulnerable parts of Adamawa State due to its proximity to the Sambisa Forest, where Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters are believed to maintain operational camps.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement circulated on Telegram, according to international media reports.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over rising insecurity in Nigeria’s North-East region despite ongoing military operations against insurgent groups.

29 Killed as Terrorists Storm Football Viewing Centre in Adamawa