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

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testified as the 13th prosecution witness, told the court that investigators discovered how the funds were allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria under the claim that they were meant to finance foreign election observers during the 2023 general elections.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