Eko Hot Blog reports in a startling revelation during the ongoing fraud trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, former Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, testified on Tuesday, alleging the use of forged documents in the release of $6.2 million from the CBN in February 2023.
Mustapha, appearing as the fourth prosecution witness before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, claimed that the funds were obtained through a forged document bearing the signature of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused Emefiele of conspiring with Odoh Ocheme to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming it was requested by the SGF via a letter dated January 26, 2023.
Mustapha, denying any knowledge of the documents, emphasized that they did not originate from the president.
He highlighted several inconsistencies, stating, “A correspondence that has the seal of the Nigerian president does not carry a reference number. The seal is the authority.”
Furthermore, Mustapha pointed out that Federal Executive Council (FEC) decisions are not transmitted through letters but through extracts after conclusions are adopted.
He stated that the alleged approval for the fund was never on the agenda of the FEC meeting held on January 18, 2023.
In response to the prosecutor, Rotimi Jacobs, Mustapha clarified, “There was no agenda for payment to foreign election observers. Consequently, if it was not an item on the agenda, it can’t be discussed and it will not appear in the conclusion of the meeting of January 18. There was no such approval, conclusion, or transmission for the payment of the money.”
Mustapha further asserted that the letter conveying the presidential directives for the fund’s approval did not emanate from him, and he did not sign it.
He also disassociated himself from Jubril Abubakar, who was alleged to have received the money in cash.
The former SGF concluded by addressing the alleged attempt to reproduce President Buhari’s signature on the document, stating, “And lastly, looking at the signature, it is a failed attempt at reproducing Buhari’s signature. I will leave that to the experts.”
The trial continues, with Emefiele facing accusations related to the alleged forgery and misappropriation of funds.
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