By Ayomide Otitoju
A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Thursday that $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Garki Branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on February 8, 2023, using forged documents. The testimony came during the trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele, who faces charges including corruption, accepting gratification, and fraudulent receipt of property.
The witness, Bashirudden Maishanu, an Assistant Director at CBN, told Justice Hamza Muazu that the withdrawal was purportedly for election observer logistics. Maishanu, led in evidence by EFCC prosecutor and Director of Public Prosecution Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), said he first became aware of the transaction in January 2023 when he was approached by Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed he had been directed by Eric, Emefiele’s personal assistant.
Maishanu said Ahmed claimed the payment had the President’s approval, and that he and a friend were to collect cash from the CBN once Emefiele authorised it. On February 8, 2023, Maishanu testified, his friend and driver withdrew the full sum of $6.23 million from the Garki Branch. According to the witness, Ahmed subsequently took $2.5 million in cash with others.
EFCC stated that Maishanu admitted he suggested his friends keep the money, which they did, describing the situation as “outrageous” because no formal agreement had been reached with Ahmed.
On sanctions for erring officials, Maishanu explained that CBN applies measures such as demotion, termination, dismissal, or warnings, depending on the offence. Disciplinary actions follow investigations and hearings by a committee of selected staff, who then recommend sanctions to management.
Emefiele faces multiple charges, including accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, corruption, and fraudulent receipt of property, in a case that has drawn significant public attention.
