The trial of former CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele has reached a high-stakes moment this week. Testimonies continue to center on the alleged unauthorized withdrawal of $6.23 million from the CBN vault in February 2023, reportedly used for “phoney election observers.”
On April 27, 2026, the 13th prosecution witness (PW13), EFCC Assistant Commander Chinedu Eneanya, testified that forensic analysis proved the signatures of former President Muhammadu Buhari and former SGF Boss Mustapha were forged on the documents used to authorize the payout.
The EFCC investigation claims the money was removed under the guise of funding “foreign election observers” for the 2023 elections, but the funds were actually siphoned.
Under cross-examination, the witness admitted that while the signatures of others were tested, Emefiele’s own signature was not subjected to forensic verification. Additionally, the witness acknowledged that none of the five CBN officials who signed the internal memo are currently standing trial; they were merely suspended by the bank.
Today, April 28, 2026, Justice Hamza Muazu issued subpoenas for Jim Obazee (the Special Investigator appointed by the President) and CP Eloho Okpoziakpo to appear as witnesses. The defense has pushed for the court to “foreclose” (close) the prosecution’s case if these witnesses fail to appear, citing unnecessary delays.
The court has adjourned briefly to allow the prosecution to produce its remaining witnesses. Emefiele has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his legal team arguing that he never personally received the funds and that the case relies too heavily on investigative officers rather than direct eyewitnesses.
