‘$6.2m paid to 2023 election observers under Emefiele’

A Deputy Director of Branch Operations in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Onyeka Ogbu, has told an FCT High Court that he was aware of the request and payment of $6.2 million for international election observers through the bank.

Ogbu, who appeared as a prosecution witness, said the request was made in 2023 during the tenure of Godwin Emefiele as governor.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, conferring undue advantage, and breach of trust, among others preferred against Emefiele.

The witness said he studied the documents and minuted on them for processing and disbursement which was complied with.

Continuing, Ogbu explained that, “It stated that the payment was for election observance and to be paid cash in a naira equivalent of the said amount.

“Also, the memo had an attached approval of the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and that of the then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), asked for a stand down of 30 minutes to enable him to tender the originals of additional two documents of the president’s approval that were photocopies out of six.

However, defence counsel, Mathew Bukka (SAN), objected to Oyedepo’s prayers arguing that since the case was slated for February 12 and 13, he moved that the matter be adjourned till February 13, arguing further that 30 minutes sought by Oyedepo won’t be enough for the prosecution to secure the original documents from the CBN, as reported by Daily Trust.

Justice Hamza Muazu subsequently adjourned the matter until Tuesday for continuation of hearing.