- A Commissioner of Police, Eloho Okpoziakpo, testified on Tuesday that suspects have confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal of $6.23 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
- The funds, reportedly paid out in $100 denominations, were claimed to be for international election observers for the 2023 elections, a claim the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has denied.
- Investigations revealed the withdrawal was backed by a letter carrying a purported presidential approval from former President Muhammadu Buhari, which is alleged to be a forgery.
The trial of the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, continued at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
Eko Hot Blog reports that a key witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), CP Eloho Okpoziakpo, provided detailed insight into the alleged $6.23 million fraud that took place just weeks before the 2023 general elections.
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Okpoziakpo, who served as part of the special investigation team appointed by President Bola Tinubu, told the court that the money was taken from the CBN’s Abuja branch following the defendant’s approval.
He noted that while the funds were officially requested for election observation, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) confirmed it never made such a request.
According to the witness, some of the suspects interrogated during the probe have already confessed to the fraudulent nature of the transaction.
The court was presented with evidence, including memos and disbursement records, showing that the cash was cleared on February 8, 2023.
This is part of a broader 20-count amended charge against Emefiele, which includes criminal breach of trust, forgery, abuse of office, and conspiracy.
The former governor has consistently maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all counts.
In addition to the $6.23 million scandal, the court has also subpoenaed special investigator Jim Obazee to testify.
The investigation is expected to further clarify issues surrounding the naira redesign policy and other alleged corrupt advantages conferred on specific firms during Emefiele’s tenure.
Justice Hamza Muazu has adjourned the matter until July 2, 2026, for the continuation of the hearing.
