In continuation of the trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, a forensic analyst has confirmed forgery of a document purportedly from the Presidency used to request payment of $6.2million to foreign election observers in 2023.
On Thursday, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Bamaiyi Mariga, a witness of the anti-graft agency, the EFCC told the Court that his analysis of the disputed documents proved forgery of documents of former president, Muhammadu Buhari, and Boss Mustapha former Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The two documents, “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election” and “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election” tendered were admitted in evidence by the trial judge, Hamza Muazu.
Mairiga however said the signature of Godwin Emefiele wasn’t submitted by the EFCC for forensic analysis.
During cross-examination, the witness said he is not in the payroll of the EFCC as his salary is domiciled with the Nigeria immigration Service, and had been seconded to the anti-graft agency since 2018.
The defence counsel, Matthew Burkaa accused the witness of misleading the court by evading simple direct questions.
But in his submission, the Prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, said it was unfair and untrue.
Upon conclusion of cross-examination, the Court adjourned hearing on the matter till Monday, March 11.
Recall that the EFCC had earlier alleged that Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled: “RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS,” dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201
The anti-graft agency said Emefiele made the claim despite knowing it to be false and committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.
According to the amended charge marked CR/577/2023, Emefiele, on February 8, 2023, connived with one Odoh Ocheme, to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that the SGF requested it “via a letter dated 26th January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201″.
Mustapha denied knowing anything about the transaction even after he left office in May 2023 and only got to find out in December 2023 after the press published the news.
Godfrey Eshiemoghie, Chioma Kalu
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