Witness Alleges $6.23bn Diverted from CBN for 2023 Election Observers in Emefiele Trial

Witness Alleges $6.23bn Diverted from CBN for 2023 Election Observers in Emefiele Trial

A prosecution witness on Monday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court that a total of $6.23 billion was allegedly moved from the coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria under the guise of funding foreign observers for the 2023 general elections.

The witness, Chinedu Eneanya, gave the testimony before Justice Hamza Muazu at the Maitama division in Abuja.

Eneanya, who appeared as the 13th prosecution witness (PW13), was led in evidence by prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo in the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Emefiele on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy to obtain by false pretence.

According to the witness, investigations revealed that the funds were allegedly withdrawn from the CBN for the purported purpose of financing foreign election observers during the 2023 polls. He added that individuals linked to the transactions were invited and questioned, while key documents authorising the releases were obtained from the bank.

Eneanya further told the court that forensic analysis indicated that the signatures attributed to former President Muhammadu Buhari and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on the documents were forged.

Under cross-examination by defence counsel Matthew Burkaa, the witness disclosed that five CBN officials who signed the internal memo relating to the transaction had been suspended.

Earlier, the defence applied for foreclosure of the prosecution’s case if it failed to produce its remaining witnesses at the next hearing, alleging deliberate delays. However, Oyedepo opposed the application, stating that difficulties in securing the attendance of witnesses outside the court’s jurisdiction were responsible for the delay.

Justice Muazu directed both parties to reserve arguments on the application until final addresses and instructed the prosecution to work with the court registrar to issue subpoenas for the outstanding witnesses.

The case was adjourned to April 28, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Witness Alleges $6.23bn Diverted from CBN for 2023 Election Observers in Emefiele Trial