The 11th prosecution witness (PW11), Bashirudden Muhammed Maishanu, on Wednesday told the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja how the sum of $6.23 million was allegedly withdrawn from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) using forged documents during the tenure of former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Maishanu, an Assistant Director at the apex bank, testified before Justice Hamza Muazu that the cash was withdrawn from the CBN’s Garki branch on February 8, 2023.
According to the witness, the funds were purportedly requested to finance election observers and logistics ahead of the 2023 general elections.
While being led in evidence by the prosecution counsel and Director of Public Prosecution, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Maishanu explained that the transaction was processed based on documents later discovered to be forged.
He told the court that he became acquainted with Emefiele in 2015 through one Eric, whom he identified as the former CBN governor’s personal assistant.
Maishanu further stated that the withdrawal followed internal communications and approvals that appeared regular on the surface but were later questioned during investigations.
The witness maintained that standard procedures at the bank were allegedly bypassed in the processing of the cash request, raising red flags after the transaction had been completed.
The prosecution alleges that the withdrawal formed part of a broader scheme involving abuse of office and falsification of documents during Emefiele’s tenure as head of the apex bank.
The trial was thereafter adjourned by Justice Muazu to a later date for continuation of hearing.
