In the ongoing trial of former Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, a significant development unfolded as a forensic analyst confirmed the forgery of a document purportedly from the Presidency. The document in question requested payment of $6.2 million to foreign election observers in 2023.
At the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on Thursday, Bamaiyi Mariga, a witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), testified that his analysis of the disputed documents revealed forgery. Specifically, the documents bearing the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and Boss Mustapha, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, were found to be forged.
The trial judge, Hamza Muazu, admitted the two documents titled “Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election” and “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Observer Election” into evidence.
However, Mariga noted that the signature of Godwin Emefiele was not submitted for forensic analysis by the EFCC.
During cross-examination, Mariga clarified that he is not on the EFCC’s payroll, as his salary is managed by the Nigeria Immigration Service. He has been seconded to the anti-graft agency since 2018.
Defense counsel Matthew Burkaa accused Mariga of evading direct questions, alleging that he misled the court.
In response, Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo defended Mariga, stating that the accusations were unfair and untrue.
Following the conclusion of cross-examination, the Court adjourned the hearing until 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 January 26, 2023. The agency claimed that Emefiele made false claims, knowing them to be untrue, and committed an offense under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offenses Act, 2006.
Emefiele was accused of colluding with Odoh Ocheme to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, falsely claiming that the SGF had requested it via a letter dated January 26, 2023. Mustapha denied any involvement in the transaction, learning about it only after leaving office in May 2023 and discovering it through press reports in December 2023.