A prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja that $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Garki Branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on 8 February 2023 using forged documents.
The witness, Bashirudden Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the CBN, testified before Justice Hamza Muazu during the trial of a former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Led in evidence by the Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Maishanu said the withdrawal was purportedly for election observers and logistics.
According to the EFCC, Maishanu told the court that he met Emefiele in 2015 through Eric, who served as the governor’s personal assistant. He said that in early January 2023, one Alhaji Ahmed approached him, claiming he was acting on Eric’s instruction and working with a special committee in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Maishanu said he requested Ahmed’s identification and confirmed his claims by speaking directly with Eric. Ahmed later told him that the committee was processing a payment from the CBN based on presidential approval and would proceed once the approval was secured.
He testified that about a week later, Ahmed returned and claimed they had obtained the President’s approval. Ahmed allegedly showed him a copy and said they would seek Emefiele’s consent before proceeding. He added that Ahmed requested a cash payment and asked him to accompany them or recommend someone else.
Maishanu said he declined to go but suggested a friend. He further told the court that on 8 February 2023, his friend went to the Garki Branch of the CBN and withdrew $6.23 million. He claimed that after the withdrawal, Ahmed allegedly left with $2.5 million in cash alongside others.
The witness said he later saw the money and described the situation as outrageous, adding that there had been no agreement for any payment to Ahmed. He stated that he suggested keeping the money, and his friends agreed.
Maishanu also explained the CBN’s disciplinary procedures, noting that sanctions for erring staff range from warnings to dismissal, depending on the severity of the offence. He said a disciplinary committee investigates allegations, conducts hearings, and recommends sanctions to management.
Emefiele is facing charges relating to alleged gratification, receipt of gifts through agents, corruption and fraudulent receipt of property.