Emefiele heading to court for his court hearing
A prosecution witness in the trial of former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has told a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the CBN using forged documents.
Testifying on Thursday before Justice Hamza Muazu, the witness—identified as PW11, Bashirudden Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the CBN—said the cash was withdrawn on February 8, 2023, from the Garki branch of the apex bank.
Maishanu’s testimony was led by the prosecution and Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), in a case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the EFCC, the witness said the withdrawal was presented as funding for election observers and logistics, based on documents he later described as forged.
Maishanu told the court he became involved in early January 2023 after being approached by Alhaji Ahmed, who claimed to be working with a special committee in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Ahmed reportedly said he was acting on instructions linked to the presidency.
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The witness said he demanded identification and confirmation before engaging further. He added that he contacted Eric, said to be Emefiele’s personal assistant at the time, who confirmed knowing Ahmed.
Maishanu said Ahmed later returned, claiming presidential approval had been obtained and that they intended to seek the former CBN governor’s approval for payment. He told the court that Ahmed insisted the money be paid in cash.
“I told him I could not go and suggested someone I knew,” the witness said.
According to his testimony, the cash—$6.23 million—was eventually collected on February 8, 2023, by the witness’s associate and driver from the Garki branch of the CBN. He alleged that $2.5 million was taken away immediately by Ahmed and others, while the remaining cash was left with his associate.
Maishanu said he later advised his associates to keep the money, describing the transaction as “outrageous” because there had been no prior agreement for any payment.
Under cross-examination, the witness also explained CBN’s internal disciplinary process, saying sanctions for misconduct range from warnings to dismissal, depending on the severity of the offence. He said investigations are handled by a disciplinary committee before recommendations are made to management.
Mr Emefiele is facing charges bordering on corruption, accepting gratification, receiving gifts through agents, and fraudulent receipt of property. He has denied the allegations. The trial continues.
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