Emefiele: Buhari’s signature was forged to pay $6.2 million by CBN

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said President Buhari’s signature was forged to authorise the payment of $6,230,000 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for international observers during the last election. 

Mustapha testified as the second witness in a case brought forth by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Godwin Emefiele, the former CBN governor. He asserted that Buhari’s signature was forged to authorise the contentious transaction.

Mustapha vehemently denied involvement in the purported transaction and claimed ignorance until its revelation through news articles in December 2023.

He refuted the authenticity of the document presented in court, titled “Re: Presidential Directive on Foreign Election Observer Mission,” dated January 26, 2023, bearing the reference number SGF.43/L.01/201.

Mustapha asserted that such correspondence from the President would not carry a reference number but solely the presidential seal, symbolising authority.

Moreover, he highlighted discrepancies in the language and format of the letter, emphasising it did not align with typical presidential directives.

“The Federal Executive Council (FEC) decisions are not transmitted by letters. They are transmitted through extracts after conclusions are adopted,” Mustapha stated, underscoring the irregularities in the purported document.

He further questioned the use of terms like “special appropriation provision,” which were unfamiliar during his tenure, suggesting potential fabrication.

Mustapha cast doubt on the signature’s authenticity attributed to President Buhari, labelling it a “failed attempt” at replication. However, he deferred judgment to forensic experts for a conclusive analysis.

It was reported that Onyeka Ogbu, a deputy director of branch operations at the CBN, testified, alleging that Emefiele facilitated the transfer of $6,230,000 through dubious channels to pay “international election observers.” 

Emefiele is facing charges recently amended to include criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud, and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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