In a significant development at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, the former Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, appeared as a witness in the ongoing fraud trial involving the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.
Mustapha, serving as the fourth prosecution witness, made startling revelations on Tuesday, alleging that $6.2 million had been released from the Central Bank in February 2023 under false pretences.
He claimed that this sizable sum was obtained through the use of a forged document, a matter that has become central to the trial.
According to Mustapha’s testimony, the funds were purportedly requested by the SGF’s office via a letter dated January 26, 2023, bearing reference number SGF.43/L.01. However, Mustapha vehemently denied the authenticity of this document, stating that it did not originate from the President or his office.
He pointed out several discrepancies, including the absence of the presidential seal, irregular reference numbering, and the unconventional language used, which he claimed was not in line with official correspondences he had encountered during his tenure.
Additionally, Mustapha emphasized that no such directive for foreign election observer missions had been issued by the President.
Furthermore, Mustapha refuted any involvement in the matter, asserting that neither he nor his office received any portion of the misappropriated funds. He clarified that approval for such a transaction was never on the agenda of the Federal Executive Council meeting held on January 18, 2023, further casting doubt on the legitimacy of the transaction.
During cross-examination, Mustapha maintained his stance, stating that it was not customary for his office to send staff to banks to receive cash for any purpose, let alone such a significant amount.
The trial also saw the testimony of Ogbu Michael, a former Branch Controller at the CBN, who admitted authorizing the payment of the $6.2 million.
However, he claimed to have acted solely based on the payment instruction provided, without verifying the identity of the recipient beyond the provided documentation.
The trial judge, Justice Hamza Muazu, adjourned the proceedings until March 7, 11, and 25 for further examination and continuation of the trial, as the case continues to unfold, shedding light on alleged financial malpractice at the highest levels of government.
